Heavy rain in Edmonton, river levels rising

 

 

The city of Edmonton has been witnessing heavy rain this summer. Heavy rain has caused the water level of the North Saskatchewan River to rise, causing flooding. Boat services have been temporarily suspended as a safety precaution due to the high water level in the river. The walkway on one side of the 'High Level Bridge' has been closed due to the risk of erosion. In addition, viewing fireworks displays as part of Canada Day celebrations from the riverbank is prohibited.

Meteorologists say that the river is usually high at this time of year due to melting snow from the mountains and heavy rain. The river is currently flowing at 1,100 cubic metres per second. The river has risen to this level six times since 2010. Although the water level is currently high in the river, it is very low compared to the major floods in the city's history.

The worst flood in Edmonton's history occurred on June 28, 1915. At that time, 5,800 cubic meters of water flowed through the river per second. This is more than twice the water flowing over the famous Niagara Falls. Although the industries and residential areas along the river were completely destroyed that day, fortunately no one lost their lives.

The worst flood in the city's recent history occurred on July 19, 1986. At that time, the flow was at a speed of 4,520 cubic meters per second. This flooded areas such as Cloverdale and Rosedale. Special signs are still kept under the 'Walterdale Bridge' to help people understand how high the water rose in the river during both of these great floods.