IN WHICH THE FLOODS COME

Most of you, I think will have heard something about the flooding in Western Canada this weekend. The last I heard, 26 communities in Alberta were being evacuate, in whole or in part.

Among the hardest hit, Calgary and a number of communities around it, including Sundre, Okotoks, Turner Valley, Bragg Creek, Longview, Canmore, Banff, and High River (where we used to live).

First, some pictures.

There have been floods in some of these areas in 1995 and 2005. They were considered major — once in a hundred years. But they absolutely pale in comparison to what is happening now.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper called the magnitude of the flood "stunning."

Prime Minister viewing the flooding

The Prime Minister's home is in Calgary, and he represents a Calgary constituency (electoral district). He toured the city and area, yesterday, and said he has never seen anything like it. He says he is aware of concerns about the long-term damage the flooding could have. 

Closer to home, the flood crest is well to the south and west of Saskatoon ("River City"). Yet the water is rising. These pictures are from our apartment windows. They are not startling, but show the water has crept higher than yesterday, which was higher than the day before.

We have already been told by the city that this area is one of the areas which is likely to flood first, if there is a flood.

The steps are already partially under water

The observation lookout is almost under water

The river is getting muddy and faster.

The trees at the bottom of the picture are on our side of the river. They are likely 100 feet below our apartment. I sincerely doubt we will get wet if there is a flood.

To wrap up for today:

Someone who would Deerly like to be elsewhere

East end of High River, now evacuated.

This could have been me 35 years ago; I was a firefight

And Saskatoon watches, and waits, and wonders.

Blessings and Bear hugs, folks!