If you've been down near the Sheep River in the last few weeks, you may have noticed a higher water level and faster flow following recent rainfall in the area.

Okotoks Fire Chief Trevor Brice says it's something they monitor daily, and while they noted the increase in water level and flow, but nothing too sinister.

"At the moment it's a little bit deeper than it has been and the flow is higher than it has been, although, already, the flow has come down again. It's affected by rain and the snowmelt. The melt has been pretty average for this year so that's not a major issue for us, but rain does impact it and increases the depth and flow... we monitor it on a daily basis and it's within the realm of safety at the moment for our flood preparedness"

While it hasn't posed a risk for flooding, it's definitely not a good time to cool off in the river.

Brice says the river may seem like an ideal destination as the heat sets in, but things really can take a turn for the worse under certain conditions.

"It's very powerful. It can knock you off your feet, even if the depth is below your knees. I've got my crews who go out and are very vigilant, going and talking to people who are out by the river. There are some really simple precautions people can take, but we recommend they don't go in. If they do, do a risk assessment of what they're looking at, where they're going. If they can, wear a life jacket."

Other things to keep in mind are the weather forecast, (which can change on a dime in Alberta,) keeping children under supervision when near the river, and remembering that alcohol and river activities do not mix.

Brice says there's often a disparity between how fast the river appears to be flowing on the surface and what's happening below, so even when it appears more placid, there's no knowing what's happening below.

"It's very deceptive, what you see on the top. Undercurrents below can be very risky, and if you go in the water you're on rocks, you don't know what debris is in the water, especially when the water is at a heightened depth... That current is really strong and our recommendation at the moment with the current conditions is that people don't enter the water."

One upside is that these conditions provide a great opportunity for training exercises on the river.

"Our crews have already been out and been getting prepared. May and June is the higher-risk season for flooding, so in our preparedness, we go out there and do some training, making sure we're ready. It's really important we do train in those higher-risk conditions because that's what we'll have to operate in, potentially," says Brice.

A few close calls occurred on the Sheep River last year, one of which involved Okotoks fire personnel during a training drill:

No Injuries, Minor Damages After Boat Airlifted out of Sheep River

Seven Year Old Okotoks Boy Rescued From Sheep River

Okotoks Fire Department Cautioning Residents After Two Children Rescued From Sheep River

 

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