Because of the flood risk and high water levels in Whitecourt, the Sagitawah RV park will remain closed until at least Friday.
The town provided an update 5:27 Thursday evening; saying the park will remain closed until further notice.
An evacuation of the RV park was issued around 3pm Wednesday, and RCMP were on scene to assist. The residents were relocated to nearby parking lots.
The Westview Mobile Village (Westview Trailer Court) is no longer on a flood watch.
On Thursday afternoon, the public was informed that water levels on the Athabasca River at Whitecourt have peaked according to Alberta Environment’s information. Water levels on the Athabasca River and its tributaries upstream of the Town of Whitecourt are now falling - yesterday at this time they were rising. The Athabasca River from the Town of Whitecourt to the Town of Athabasca is still under a Flood Watch; however water levels measured at the Sagitawah RV Park and the Westview Trailer Court indicate the water has started to recede since noon today.
Travel by boat, on both the Athabasca and McLeod Rivers, is still not recommended due to high water levels, debris, and the reduced ability of emergency crews to respond to water-related emergencies.
The following roads remain closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic, due to
flooding, until further notice:
• 47 Street, north of Flats Road
• access road to Sagitawah RV Park
• 66 Street - private road behind Westview Mobile Village
The flood alert does not affect Whitecourt’s drinking water. The high flow level on the Athabasca River projected by Alberta Environment does not present a risk to any residential areas in Whitecourt at this time. There are no concerns regarding flooding on the McLeod River.
The next update will occur on Friday, July 27.
Please visit
www.whitecourt.ca for updates on the flooding in Whitecourt.
Map: precipitation across Alberta this week
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