The Importance and Definition of Floods

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Questions and Answers

Match the following flood mechanisms with their descriptions:

Snowmelt runoff = Water from melting snow exceeding river capacity Storm rainfall = Intense precipitation overwhelming drainage systems Rain on snow = Combination of rainfall and snowmelt leading to increased runoff Ice jams = Accumulation of ice restricting water flow, causing flooding

Match the following terms with their definitions in the context of flooding:

Discharge = Volume of water crossing a point in a river channel at a given time River banks = High part of the river channel that confines water to the channel Floodplain = Low area beside a river channel that occasionally floods Floodway = A channel built to divert floodwaters

Match each Canadian city to a year it experienced flooding:

Calgary = 2013 Edmonton = 2004 Winnipeg = 1950 Montreal = 2017

Match the following cities with their corresponding province:

<p>St. John's = New Brunswick Montreal = Quebec Toronto = Ontario Vancouver = British Columbia</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms related to flood preparedness with their associated rating from the University of Waterloo study:

<p>Canada's Average = C- Alberta = C+ British Columbia = C Manitoba = B-</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following actions with the corresponding reason why they are NOT always done appropriately to prevent floods:

<p>Flood risk maps = Based on population, not elevation Flood protection standards = The standards exist, but are ignored Upgrades = Are made too slowly Floodplain = May be attractive to developers</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following structural flood prevention techniques with their descriptions:

<p>Dams = Regulate water flow to control flooding Levees = Raise the height of river banks Floodways = Divert excess water away from populated areas Wetlands = Absorb and store floodwaters</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following flood-proofing measures with their function:

<p>Raising building foundations = Keeps structures above anticipated flood levels Constructing earth walls = Isolates buildings from flood waters Waterproof doors and windows = Prevents water from entering buildings Installing ground-level windows to allow water to pass through a building = Reduces the chance of the building being washed away</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the terms with the descriptions:

<p>Gauging station = Station where measurements of discharge are performed. Current meter = Device used to measure the velocity of the water. Discharge = Volume of water per unit of time, expressed as $m^3/s$ Hydrograph = Plot of discharge as a function of time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each of the following hydrograph features with their descriptions:

<p>Rising limb = The section of the hydrograph describing increasing discharge. Falling limb = The section of the hydrograph describing decreasing discharge. Peak = The maximum discharge value. Lag time = Time difference between precipitation and peak discharge.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the hydrograph type with where you might expect to find it (or not find it):

<p>Urban = Short lag time, high peak discharge Rural = Long lag time, low peak discharge Forest = Even longer lag time, even lower peak discharge Desert = There may be no base level of ground water contribution</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the city and year with the maximum discharge experienced:

<p>Calgary 2013 = 1750 $m^3$/s Calgary 2014 = 330 $m^3$/s Calgary 2015 = 719 CMS Calgary 2018 = 1840 $m^3$/s</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the statistical measure with the appropriate description:

<p>Time frame = e.g. 1:100 year flood (protection standard) Chance = Expressed as chance or time frame 2013 flood = Was ~ 1:40 year flood Any flood, any time = Depends on the setup conditions</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the element used in calculating flood size with the description:

<p>n = Number of observations M = Magnitude (based on discharge) T = Recurrence interval (flood size) (n+1)/M = The formula used to calculate flood size</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the city with the issue:

<p>Calgary = The largest floods were in the late 1800s when accurate measurements were not possible Bowness = Only given 45 minutes warning they would be flooded Many cities = Not all equipment designed for high discharge- can be destroyed Many streams = Most streams have some monitoring on them, but few are real-time</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the problem of data handling with the description:

<p>Flood magnitude = No clear rules on how to rank two years with same discharge Discard early floods = Flood magnitude questionable Equipment breaks = How do we estimate maximum discharge? Early records = Problems will arise with data handling.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the city, area or river with the special consideration:

<p>Calgary = Some Calgary areas had special flood problems connected to the infrastructure which created worse flood conditions Sunnyside = Flooded from two points Bow river or Elbow river = If you find old guidebooks, DO NOT USE THEM. Elbow River = Debris-laden floodwaters washed out the bridge on Highway 66.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the goal with an action the City of Calgary has taken:

<p>Flood Resilient = Flood Resilience Plan is a three-layered approach. Reduce Our Risk = Protection work together to reduce our risk of flooding. Physical Protection = Installing physical protection such as walls or barriers Infrastructure Upgrade = Upgrading and replacing existing infrastructure</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the term with the definition:

<p>Coastal floods = Flooding caused by storm surges or high tides. Temporary land floods = Flooding caused by ponding. Lake floods = Flooding caused by heavy rains increase the water level in a lake, overflowing its banks. Urban floods = Flooding caused in areas of dense population.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the item with its speed:

<p>Typical walking = 5 kph Water at 6.5 kph = Exerts pressure of 2 atm Water at 13 kph = Exerts pressure of 8 atm Door-height water = Will push cars off road</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the weather events with those that cause less death:

<p>Flooding = Kills more people Lightning = Kills fewer people Hurricanes = Kills fewer people Wind storms = Kills fewer people</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the term with its appropriate meaning:

<p>Porous material = Water must flow overland River = People settled there for water and transport Settled Cities = Chance of river floods is very high Increased flooding = Related to cumulative rain</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the term with its description:

<p>Flood risk maps = Show areas that are low and likely to be flooded Flood protection standard = Infrastructure must be built to withstand flood Floodplains = Difficult to avoid because attractive Flood planning = Can be DONE WRONG or DONE RIGHT</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the conditions for builders with outcomes:

<p>Cheap land near rivers = Builder's choice Check flood risk map and find no risk = They develop it People buy houses = Risk increases Flooding occurs = The house is damaged</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the place for planning done right with the activity.

<p>Drumheller AB = Has new Office of Resiliency and Flood Mitigation Climate Adaptation System = 100 km of Red Deer River bank changed to protect people and property New builds = Must be 4m above grade Vancouver BC = sea walls and dikes are used to hold back flood water.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the item with how it can be used to avoid disaster:

<p>Height of flood water = Needs to be known GIS and DEM = Used to analyze land height 'Safe height' elevation = Needs to be determined Danger Zone = Is any elevation below the safe height</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the terms describing basins.

<p>Unique pattern = Annual stream discharge variations in western Canada Watershed = Glaciers in western Canada Sources = Rainfall, snow melt, glacier melt and groundwater Vancouver BC = Two rivers near Vancouver BC and how different discharge is over a year</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the term with the amount of water.

<p>Larger basins = Have more water for flooding Smaller basins = More tied to the basin geometry Geometry = Shape of the basin Equidistant basins = Channel water in average time</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the prevention item and effect:

<p>Floodplains = Used to prevent flooding Wetlands = Maintained for prevention Winding river paths = Lessens impact Artificial levees = Minimizes impact</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the dam question with result:

<p>Water stored = For agriculture and power generation Reservoirs = Must be lowered to make room for flood water If done = Only reduces flood volume by ~5% TransAlta = They want compensation for using dams and reservoirs for flood use</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the description:

<p>Amount of rainfall = Known on a real-time basis Rate of change = Known on a real-time basis Type of storm = Produces the moisture Characteristics = Refer to the drainage area</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the place with the activity:

<p>Drumheller AB = Building foundations above anticipated flood level Vancouver BC = Constructing earth walls Structures = Using earth walls to Isolate buildings from flood waters Inside Walls = Using waterproof doors, windows and basement walls</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the term with the effect:

<p>Wetlands = Create new wetlands or floodplains Erosion = Erosion Control Water = Water quality maintenance Groundwater = Recharges (returns or replaces) groundwater</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the term with description during Calgary AB flood:

<p>Precipitation = One year measured in 2.5 days Snowpack = Warm rain and significant snowpack produced larger meltwater runoff Slopes = High mountain slopes brought water to rivers quickly Volume = Normal protection measures not adequate .</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the term with issue during the flood:

<p>Calculations = Government said flood was 1-in-22 year flood. data = n = 99 years of observations calculations = But when using formula it was 1-in-20 year flood conclusion = Governments often are wrong.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the term with issue during the 2015 flood:

<p>Calculations = Government said flood was 1-in-110 year flood. data = n = 105 years of observations calculations = But when using formula it was 1-in-35 year flood. conclusion = Numbers may not always be as authorities describe.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the special flood consideration to term:

<p>Altered paths = So much debris carried from mountains Special infrastructure = Some Calgary areas had special flood problems Storm Sewers = Sunnyside area flooded from two points: From Bow River and From Crescent Heights down storm sewers Guidebooks = If you find old guidebooks, DO NOT USE THEM.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the term with its definition in the context of flooding:

<p>Discharge = Volume of water passing a point in a river channel River Banks = Raised edges that contain the water flow in a river Floodplain = Low-lying area adjacent to a river, prone to flooding Levee = An embankment designed to prevent the overflow of a river</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the flood mechanism with its description:

<p>Snowmelt Runoff = Water released from melting snow, contributing to increased river flow Storm Rainfall = Intense precipitation leading to rapid increases in river levels Rain on Snow = Rain falling on existing snowpack, accelerating melting and runoff Ice Jams = Accumulation of ice obstructing river flow, causing water to back up</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the city with a reason it is prone to flooding:

<p>Calgary = Located near rivers, increasing flood risk Edmonton = Proximity to the North Saskatchewan River Winnipeg = Confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers Toronto = Located on the shore of Lake Ontario with several rivers</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the flood-proofing measure with its description:

<p>Elevated Foundations = Raising structures above potential flood levels Levees = Building embankments to contain floodwaters Water-Resistant Materials = Using materials that are less susceptible to water damage Drains and Pumps = Systems to remove accumulated water from flooded areas</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the flood mitigation approach with its location or implementation level:

<p>Upstream Protection = Measures taken in the upper reaches of a river basin to control water flow Community-Level Mitigation = Strategies implemented at the local level to reduce flood risk and enhance community resilience Property-Level Protection = Actions taken by individual property owners to protect their homes or businesses from flooding Regional Diversions = Channels or structures designed to redirect floodwaters away from populated areas</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the consequence with the description:

<p>Wetland Creation = Formation of new wetland areas due to floodwaters Soil Fertility Improvement = Enrichment of soil due to sediment deposition during floods Water Quality Maintenance = Improvement of water quality through natural filtration processes during flooding Groundwater Recharge = Replenishment of groundwater reserves through floodwater infiltration</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the preparedness sector with the impact of a flood:

<p>Health Facilities = Potential for being overwhelmed with casualties and injuries during a flood Infrastructure = Risk of damage to roads and bridges, disrupting transportation and emergency services Insurance Policies = Complexity in covering flood-related damages and losses Emergency Services = Need for coordinated responses to rescue and evacuate individuals</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the definition with the concept related to flood risk:

<p>Recurrence Interval = The estimated average time interval between occurrences of a flood event of a given magnitude Flood Magnitude = Measure of the size or intensity of a flood event Flood Risk Mapping = Process of delineating areas prone to flooding based on elevation and hydrological data Flood Diversion = The act of redirecting flood waters to another location</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the variable with its corresponding role in the recurrence interval calculation T = (n+1)/m:

<p>T = Recurrence interval (in years) n = Number of observations in the dataset m = Rank of the flood discharge in the dataset 1/T = Probability of the event occurring in any one year</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the concept with its definition regarding water flow and flood dynamics:

<p>Laminar Flow = Smooth, streamlined flow where water particles move in parallel layers Turbulent Flow = Irregular flow with chaotic changes in pressure and velocity Hydraulic Jump = Sudden transition from supercritical to subcritical flow, accompanied by energy dissipation Critical Depth = Depth of flow at which specific energy is minimum for a given discharge</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the term with its description related to flood management strategies:

<p>Flood Zoning = Regulation of land use in flood-prone areas to minimize property damage and risk Channelization = Modification of river channels to increase flow capacity and reduce flooding Dam Construction = Building dams to store floodwaters and regulate downstream flow Erosion Control = Implementation of measures to prevent soil erosion and sediment transport into waterways</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the action with the potential impact on flood dynamics:

<p>Deforestation = Increased runoff and soil erosion, exacerbating flood risk Urbanization = Increased impervious surfaces, leading to higher peak flows and urban flooding Wetland Drainage = Loss of natural flood storage capacity, increasing flood severity Climate Change = Altered precipitation patterns and increased frequency of extreme weather events</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the city with its notable flood event:

<p>Calgary = 2013 Alberta floods, caused by heavy rainfall and snowmelt in the Rocky Mountains Winnipeg = 1997 Red River flood, one of the costliest natural disasters in Canadian history Toronto = Hurricane Hazel in 1954, leading to significant flooding and loss of life Vancouver = Sea level rise and storm surges, increasing coastal flood risk</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the term with the appropriate description in flood analysis:

<p>Hyetograph = A graph showing the distribution of rainfall intensity over time Hydrograph = A graph showing the rate of flow versus time past a specific point in a river Rating Curve = A graph representing the relationship between a river's stage (water level) and discharge Stage = The water surface elevation of a river at a particular location</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the flood-related agency with the appropriate role in flood management:

<p>Environment Canada = Provides weather forecasts and hydrological data for flood monitoring Public Safety Canada = Coordinates federal emergency response efforts during flood events Provincial Emergency Management Organizations = Develops and implements flood preparedness and response plans at the provincial level Municipal Governments = Responsible for local flood control infrastructure and emergency response</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the mathematical model with its application in flood prediction:

<p>HEC-RAS = Hydraulic model used for simulating water flow through river systems SWMM = Stormwater Management Model used for urban runoff and drainage simulation Mike 11 = A 1D hydrodynamic model for rivers and channels ArcGIS = Geographic Information System used for mapping and spatial analysis of flood-prone areas</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of remote sensing with its use in flood monitoring:

<p>Radar = Detecting water surfaces through cloud cover and darkness LiDAR = Generating high-resolution topographic data for flood mapping Satellite Imagery = Monitoring flood extent and inundation patterns Aerial Photography = Capturing detailed imagery for damage assessment</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the statistical method with its use in flood frequency analysis:

<p>Log-Pearson Type III = Commonly used distribution for flood frequency analysis in hydrology Gumbel Distribution = Used for extreme value analysis of flood events Weibull Distribution = Used for modeling the distribution of flood peaks Regression Analysis = Used to establish a statistical relationship between 2 or more variables</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the term related to urban flooding with its description:

<p>Impervious Surfaces = Materials that do not allow water to infiltrate into the ground, like concrete and asphalt Combined Sewer Systems = Systems that collect both sewage and stormwater runoff Green Infrastructure = Use of vegetation and soil to manage stormwater and reduce runoff Stormwater Detention Ponds = Basins designed to temporaily store stormwater runoff and release it slowly</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the concept with the equation used to define it:

<p>Manning's Equation = $V = \frac{1}{n} R^{2/3} S^{1/2}$ used to calculate flow velocity in open channels Rational Method = $Q = CiA$ used to calculate peak runoff rate Darcy's Law = $Q = -KA \frac{dh}{dl}$ used to describe the flow of water through a porous medium Weir Equation = $Q = CLH^{3/2}$ used to describe the flow over a weir</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the category of disaster resilience with its description:

<p>Engineering Resilience = Focuses on infrastructure and physical systems' ability to withstand and recover from disasters Ecological Resilience = Focuses on the ability of ecosystems to maintain their essential functions and structures after a disturbance Social Resilience = Focuses on the ability of communities and societies to cope with and recover from disasters Economic Resilience = Focuses on the ability of economic systems to withstand and recover from disasters</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the concept with its role in sustainable flood management:

<p>Natural Flood Management = Employing natural processes and features to reduce flood risk Source Control = Managing runoff at its source to reduce the volume and rate of stormwater Integrated Water Resources Management = Coordinating the management of water resources across different sectors and levels Adaptive Management = Adjusting management strategies based on monitoring and learning from past experiences</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the disaster response phase with its primary activity:

<p>Mitigation = Reducing the risk of future disasters through long-term planning and prevention measures Preparedness = Preparing for potential disasters through training, drills, and resource stockpiling Response = Providing immediate assistance to affected populations during a disaster Recovery = Restoring essential services and rebuilding infrastructure after a disaster</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of dam with its description:

<p>Earthfill Dam = Dam made primarily of compacted earth materials Concrete Gravity Dam = Dam relying on its weight to resist the force of water Arch Dam = Dam curved upstream to transfer water pressure to the abutments Buttress Dam = Dam consisting of a sloping deck supported by buttresses</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of floodplain with its description:

<p>Regulatory Floodplain = The area subject to flooding that is used by communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program Fluvial Floodplain = The area adjacent to a river or stream that is subject to flooding during high flow events Tidal Floodplain = The area along a coastal line Alluvial Fan = A fan-shaped deposit of sediment formed at the base of a mountain or hill</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the climate extreme with the disaster is may contribute to:

<p>Drought = Land Subsidence (Sinking) Heat Wave = Strain on power grids and infrastructure Sea Level Rise = Coastal Inundation Heavy Rainfall = Flash Flooding</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the aspect of effective communication during a disaster with its role:

<p>Clarity = Ensuring messages are easily understood without ambiguity Timeliness = Providing information promptly to enable informed decision-making Accuracy = Delivering reliable and verified information to build trust Accessibility = Reaching all segments of the population, including vulnerable groups</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the category of natural disaster with the typical season or seasons in which it occurs.

<p>Floods = Spring Heat Waves = Summer Hurricanes = Fall Snow Storms = Winter</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the example of ecosystem-based adaptation to reduce flood risk with its description.

<p>Protecting and restoring wetlands = Increasing water storage capacity Restoring river channels = Increasing water flow capacity Protecting/restoring forests = Help infiltration and runoff Green Infrastructure = Reducing the imperviousness from urban settings</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the impact each climate extreme may have on insurance.

<p>Increased Floods = Spike in flood insurance claims Increased Heat Waves = Increased demand for home air conditioning. Increased Drought = Decrease in agricultural commodity production Increased number of Hurricanes = Increased home insurance costs</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the component of emergency management (prior to a disaster) with its example activity

<p>Mitigation = Buying houses in flood zones Preparedness = Stockpiling emergency supplies Response = Finding people who were lost Recovery = Rebuilding key infrastructure</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the land surface feature with its impact on flood.

<p>Porous soil = Decreases runoff by absorbing water Steep slopes = Increases runoff velocity Vegetation = Decreases erosion and traps sediment Urban areas = Increases impermeable surfaces</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the action to its impact on flood risk

<p>Building on wetlands = Increases flood risk by reducing water storage Improving drainage = Decreases flood risk by channeling water Deforestation = Increases flood risk by reducing ground cover Adding Green Infrastructure = Decreases flood risk by improving infiltration</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the flood type with its cause.

<p>Flash flood = Heavy rainfall over a short period River flood = Overflow of river banks Coastal flood = Storm surge or high tides Urban flood = Impermeable surfaces</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the flood-resilient building strategy with its method.

<p>Elevated foundations = Lifts structures above floodwater Flood barriers = Protects building from rising water Water-resistant material = Minimizes damage from water exposure Backup power = Ensures continued function during power outages</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the warning system with its purpose.

<p>Satellite monitoring = Detects extreme weather events over vast regions River gauges = Measure water depth Weather radar = Tracks precipitation levels in real time Emergency alerts = Disseminates warnings in endangered areas</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the aspect of community involvement with its benefits in building resilience.

<p>Local knowledge = Identify vulnerable areas needing special treatment Volunteering efforts = Boost resource allocation and coordination Education programs = Increase awareness of flood risks Collaborative planning = Guarantees that plans align with the community's needs</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the key function of flood insurance with its role.

<p>Financial Compensation = Helps homeowners recover financially by paying for damage Community Resilience = Encourages and protects investment in flood-prone areas Risk Awareness = Increases public awareness Reduced government burden = Less burden to the government</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the characteristic with the different types of floods.

<p>Flash floods = Occur with little to no warning River floods = Occur when excessive rainfall causes a river to exceed its capacity and overflow Coastal floods = Caused by storm surges during hurricanes or severe storms, leading to inundation of low-lying areas Urban floods = Caused by impermeable roads unable to drain fast enough during events</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the element of flood-risk communication with the type of information provided.

<p>Flood warning = Inform community members of an imminent or ongoing event Risk maps = Indicate which areas are high-risk Educational campaigns = Guide homeowners to minimize impact Community meetings = Engage local communities about mitigation and preparedness</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the impact of climate change with its specific change in flooding

<p>Sea Level Rise = Increased coastal flooding Increased Precipitation = Increased river flood severity Melting Glaciers = Increases lake floods Extreme Weather Events = Increases flash flood risk</p> Signup and view all the answers

Globally, how has the average flood damage per decade changed since World War II?

<p>Increased tenfold (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the formal definition of a flood?

<p>A high discharge causing water to exceed river banks and overflow onto the floodplain. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which flood type is least likely to be recognized by the 'formal definition' of a flood?

<p>Temporary land floods. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical walking speed at which water starts to exert considerable pressure?

<p>6.5 kph. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What makes flash floods particularly dangerous?

<p>A large percentage of fatalities occur in cars. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a weather-related cause of river flooding?

<p>Snowmelt runoff (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is dealing with floods considered very challenging?

<p>Each flood affects a different area and impacts vary with local conditions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the rank of floods in Canada in terms of causing property damage among natural disasters?

<p>First (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary reason early settlements developed near water sources, contributing to modern cities' flood risk?

<p>Early transportation relied heavily on rivers and oceans. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the University of Waterloo study, what was Canada's average rating for flood preparedness?

<p>C- (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the University of Waterloo study, what letter grade did Alberta receive for flood preparedness?

<p>C+ (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sectors is generally least prepared for flooding?

<p>Insurance. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Calgary, which hazard was listed as the top risk by the Calgary Emergency Management Agency?

<p>Flooding (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to follow the 'flood protection standard'?

<p>Building infrastructure to withstand a very large flood (1-in-100 year) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key limitation of flood risk maps?

<p>They can become outdated as soon as they are created. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical flaw in how flood risk maps are sometimes constructed, leading to a 'recipe for disaster'?

<p>Focusing primarily on property and population density rather than elevation and water levels. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Drumheller, Alberta, what is a proactive measure implemented to mitigate flood risk for new constructions?

<p>Requiring new builds to be at least 4 meters above grade. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What strategy does Vancouver, BC, employ to combat floods from both the ocean and rivers?

<p>A system of dikes and sea walls. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided information, what should you NEVER do with old guidebooks?

<p>Use them for Bow and Elbow rivers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key principle for ensuring the validity of flood risk maps over time?

<p>Regular updates to account for changes in land elevation and water height. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A builder checks a standardly-made flood risk map. It shows no risk for the area, so they develop it. People buy the houses and they are flooded. Who is to blame?

<p>It depends on the <em>reason</em> the map showed no risk (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of drainage basin size in relation to flooding?

<p>Larger basins have more water for flooding. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of drainage basin shape, what is the impact of a long path to the river channel?

<p>Water reaches the channel slowly. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential drawback of using dams and reservoirs for flood prevention?

<p>TransAlta can't supply water or energy if they are used for flood control (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the information, what is a critical component of predicting floods?

<p>Characteristics of a river's drainage basin. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of flood-proofing?

<p>Moving away from flood-prone areas. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key benefit of flood waters spreading organic matter over land?

<p>Fertilizing the land (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate water pressure exerted by water moving at 13 kph?

<p>8 atm (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Besides rivers overflowing their banks, where else in Canada do floods frequently occur?

<p>Along shores of lakes and oceans (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor CANNOT cause a river flood?

<p>A sudden drop in air pressure (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which city implemented a Flood Mitigation and Climate Adaptation System?

<p>Drumheller (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Besides just storing water, what are two benefits that creating floodplains can offer?

<p>Flood storage and erosion control (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the 0.6 rule?

<p>Estimates river velocity at .63 times the flow depth (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

To measure discharge, you divide a cross section into sections a measure water velocity. Roughly how many sections are used?

<p>5-10 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In 2023 a city releases its Flood Resilience Plan with a three-layered approach. Which city is it?

<p>Calgary (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can flood risk maps show?

<p>Areas that are low and likely to be flooded (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of continuous small amounts of rain?

<p>Over time, it is cuumulative (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the definition given for a flood, what has to happen for a flood to be occurring?

<p>High discharge causing water to exceed river banks and overflow onto the floodplain (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which Canadian city experienced a flash flood in 2013 due to Hurricane Hazel?

<p>Toronto (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What parameter is 'plotted' against what in a hydrograph?

<p>Discharge is plotted against time (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a typical symptom/issue a community faces after a flood that complicates recovery and management?

<p>Repairs must be prioritized (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why were some areas of Calgary especially prone to the negative effects of flooding?

<p>The area had special flood problems connected to the infrastructure which created worse flood conditions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Formal definition of a flood

High discharge causes water to exceed river banks and overflow onto the floodplain.

What is discharge?

Volume of water passing a point at a given time.

What are river banks?

The high part of the river channel that confines water.

What is the floodplain?

Low area beside a river channel that occasionally floods.

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What causes river flooding?

Snowmelt runoff, storm rainfall, rain on snow, and ice jams.

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Floods in Canada

#1 natural disaster for property damage in Canada.

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Why are cities affected so much?

Early transportation was by water, so people settled near water.

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What do flood risk maps show?

Areas that are low and likely to be flooded.

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Flood protection standard

Says to build infrastructure to withstand a 1-in-100 year flood.

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Recipe for disaster

Government contracts flood risk map creation, but told risk only if people or property present.

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Planning done right in Vancouver

Government uses sea walls and dikes to hold back flood water.

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How to avoid disaster

Know typical height of flood water; analyze land height; determine 'safe height' elevation.

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Stream discharge in western Canada

Each area has a unique discharge pattern variations.

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What are pre-existing conditions?

Water level, ice, etc. all affect how water moves.

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Flood Prevention Techniques

Create floodplains, maintain wetlands, have long river paths, and use levees.

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How are floods predicted?

Amount of rainfall, rate of change in river stage, and river basin characteristics.

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What is flood-proofing?

Raising foundations, and building walls.

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Benefits to floods

Flood storage, water quality maintenance, recharges groundwater, and new habitat for wildlife.

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Measuring Discharge

Done at a gauging station; uses a current meter.

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What is a hydrograph?

Plots discharge vs time.

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How to calculating the size of a flood

Review discharge based on discharge.

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Why Calgary Flooding?

2013 Bow River; significant snowpack, warm rain produced runoff.

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What to fix in Calgary

Move people from floodplain; improve monitoring; and use more efficient dams.

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Flooding

A significant natural hazard involving the overflow of water onto normally dry land.

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Practical Flood Definition

When water appears where it's not wanted.

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River Banks

Raised edges that contain the water flow within a river channel.

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Floodplain

Low-lying area adjacent to a river channel, subject to inundation during high discharge events.

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Snowmelt Runoff

Result from excessive water from snow melting at rapid rates.

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Storm Rainfall

Result from intense precipitation events overwhelming drainage capacity.

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Rain on Snow

The result of rainfall occurring on existing snow cover, leading to increased runoff.

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Ice Jams

Caused by accumulation of ice restricting water flow.

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Geomorphology

Study of Earth's surface processes and landforms.

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Focus of Flood Risk Mapping

Elevation should be the focus, not population or property value.

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Flood-Proofing Measures

Involves elevated foundations, levees, water-resistant materials, and drainage.

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Recurrence Interval

A formula to predict the probability of a flood event:

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Calgary's Flood Resilience

Upstream protection, community-level mitigation, and property-level protection.

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Minimizing Flood Impact

Focus on proactive measures rather than reactive responses to minimize loss.

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Flood fatalities

Floods kill more people than lightning, hurricanes, tornadoes, or wind storms combined.

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Flood damage increase

Since WW2, average flood damage per decade has increased tenfold globally, highlighting increasing vulnerability.

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Flash flood dangers

Flash floods are very dangerous; 60% of fatalities are in cars. Don't drive through flooded roads.

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Water pressure comparison

Typical walking speed (5 kph) compared to floodwater (6.5 kph) exerts a large amount of pressure .

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Types of flooding

The formal definition do not recognize coastal floods, temporary land floods, lake floods and urban floods.

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Flood locations

Floods occur everywhere, from the global to the local (neighbourhood) level. So be prepared!

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Canada's flood preparedness

The 2013 Calgary flood showed Canada is not adequately prepared for flooding. Sectors such as health, safety and infrastructure are not ready.

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Calgary's top hazard

The Calgary Emergency Management Agency listed flooding as the number one risk.

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River basin reactions

Each river and basin will react differently, but common factors can be identified

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Contractor caveat

Government contracts out flood risk map creation.

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Drainage basic size

Larger basins have more water

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Drainage basin shape

Equidistant path to a river channel.

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The Dam Dilemma

TransAlta wants compensation for using dams and reservoirs to reduce flood volume.

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Valid danger zones

Land elevation or the range of water height should be considered in flood maps.

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Mapping flaws

Flood risk maps should be based on population and property.

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Study Notes

How Important Floods Are

  • Floods lead to more fatalities compared to lightning, hurricanes, tornadoes, and windstorms all combined.
  • Flood damage per decade has increased tenfold globally since WW2.
  • Flash floods are especially deadly
    • 60% of flash flood fatalities occur in cars
    • The average walking speed is 5 kph
    • Water moving at 6.5 kph exerts a pressure of 2 atm
    • Water moving at 13 kph exerts a pressure of 8 atm
    • Door-height water moving at sufficient speed will push vehicles off the road

What Defines a Flood

  • A practical flood definition is any water in an unwanted place
  • A formal flood definition is high discharge causing water to exceed river banks, overflowing onto the floodplain
  • Discharge means the volume of water passing a point in a river channel at a specific time
  • River banks are the high parts of a river channel that keep water within the channel
  • Floodplains are low areas beside a river channel that flood occasionally
  • This formal definition does not cover other types of floods (coastal, urban, lake, temporary land floods).

Defining Other Types of Floods

  • Formal definitions often omit types of floods
  • Coastal floods should be considered
  • Temporary land floods, or ponding, should be considered
  • Lake floods should be considered
  • Urban floods should be considered

Flood Mechanisms

  • Weather events cause river flooding
  • Snowmelt runoff
  • Storm rainfall
  • Rain falling on snow
  • Ice jams

Where Floods Occur

  • Floods occur at all scales, from global to the local neighborhood level
  • Differing flood mechanisms impact different areas, varying with local conditions
  • Dealing with floods is challenging due to the unique nature of each event

Facts About Floods in Canada

  • Floods are the #1 natural disaster in Canada for property damage
  • Floods occur in any region, at any time of year, in both cities and rural areas
  • Each year, floods affect hundreds of thousands of people
  • Most often, rivers overflow; they can also occur along lakeshores and oceans

Canadian Cities Affected by Floods

  • St. John NB has been impacted by floods
  • Montreal QC has been impacted by floods
  • Ottawa ON has been impacted by floods
  • Toronto ON has been impacted by floods
  • Winnipeg MB has been impacted by floods
  • Saskatoon SK has been impacted by floods
  • Regina SK has been impacted by floods
  • Edmonton AB has been impacted by floods
  • Calgary AB has been impacted by floods
  • Red Deer AB has been impacted by floods
  • Lethbridge AB has been impacted by floods
  • Vancouver BC has been impacted by floods
  • All listed cities have at least one river running through them
  • These cities are particularly vulnerable because they are situated near rivers

Examples of Flooded Canadian Cities

  • Fort Calgary AB faced flooding in 1879 and 1897
  • Calgary and Southern AB flooded in 1915, 1929, 2005, and 2013
  • Edmonton AB was flooded in 2004
  • Fort McMurray AB was flooded in 2020
  • Winnipeg MB was flooded in 1950, 1997, 2011, and 2009
  • Montreal QC was flooded in 1987 and 2017
  • Toronto ON experienced a flash flood from Hurricane Hazel in 1954 and in 2013
  • St. John NB was flooded in 2008; The St. John River NB flooded in 1902 and 1973
  • Pemberton Valley BC was flooded in 1984
  • Fraser River BC was flooded in 1894 and 1948

Why Cities Are So Affected By Floods

  • Early transportation relied on rivers and oceans and fostered settlement near water
  • Large cities often have two rivers increasing flood risk
  • Cities have limited porous material on the ground, leading to overland water flow

Alberta's Flood Preparedness Rating

  • A University of Waterloo study graded Canada's flood preparedness from A-F
  • Canada averaged a C-
  • Alberta received a C+ rating

Calgary's Flood Risk

  • The Calgary Emergency Management Agency listed the top 10 hazards and risks in Calgary in 2016
    • Flooding topped the list

Flood Planning

  • Flood risk maps highlight likely flood areas
  • Flood protection standards (1-in-100 year international standard) mandate infrastructure to withstand large floods
  • Avoiding floodplains can be difficult due to their attractiveness
  • Flood planning can be implemented wrong or right
  • Proper flood planning also includes building resilient infrastructure and floodways/diversions

Flood Risk Maps Can Be Inaccurate When

  • Based on population and property instead of land and water elevation

Inaccurate Flood Protection Standards

  • Standards may be ignored despite existing
  • Upgrades to standards may be deleyed

Flood Risk Map Creation

  • Each river and basin uniquely reacts, but common factors can be identified
  • Flood risk or hazard maps can be created using collected data
  • Maps should be valid for years, but become outdated quickly after creation due to map creation parameters

Government Flood Map Creation

  • Contractors are told to consider "risk" only if people or property are present
  • Maps are constructed as "one-offs"
  • As cities expand, new risk areas are created
  • Builders assume maps are accurate & develop dangerous areas
  • Maps are useless in this scenario

Builder's Due Diligence in Flood Zones

  • Builders want to develop cheap land near a river with a good view
  • Upon checking a flood risk map with a no risk rating, builders develop the land
  • People who buy houses are flooded
  • Builders say " But I checked the flood risk map and there was no risk".
  • Risk becomes significant as soon as the first house is built

Flood Prevention in Drumheller, AB

  • A New Office of Resiliency and Flood Mitigation has been founded
  • Using Flood Mitigation and Climate Adaptation System (2019-2024), 100 km of Red Deer River bank will be altered to protect people and property
  • New builds must be 4m above grade
    • Adds $20,000 to the cost of a $250,000 house (that sells for $450,000)

Flood Prevention in Vancouver, BC

  • Vancouver, BC combats floods from the ocean and rivers
  • Sea walls and dikes help hold back flood water

Avoiding Disaster

  • Determine the typical height of flood water
  • Use GIS and DEM to analyze land height
  • Determine a 'safe height' elevation
  • Any elevation below this is in the danger zone
  • These maps are valid as long as land elevation or water height doesn't change
  • Map can be altered in under 1 hour

Primary Factors Causing Floods

  • The annual stream discharge variations unique to each area in western Canada
  • Sources of water supplying a hypothetical stream in a watershed with glaciers in western Canada include rainfall, snow melt, glacier melt and groundwater
  • Diagram shows two rivers near Vancouver, BC and how different discharge is over a year
  • The Fraser River has a large watershed, so the discharge is high; the Squamish River is smaller in both
  • Size, shape, and geology of the drainage basin
  • River channel geometry
  • Surficial materials
  • Vegetation
  • Slope of the land
  • Precipitation type, magnitude, and duration
  • Ice in ground or in the river
  • Pre-existing conditions

Facts About Drainage Basins

  • Larger basins have more water for flooding
  • Smaller basins are more tied to basin geometry
  • Drainage Basin shapes
  • Shape with equidistant path to river - water reaches channel in average time
  • Short path to river channel - water reaches channel fast
  • Long path to river channel - water reaches channel slowly

Pre-Existing Conditions Impact Floods

  • Water, ice, etc., affect how water moves over or through the ground
  • Cumulative effects mean that continuous rainfall will saturate the ground
  • Ice jams can cause or worsen floods
    • e.g. The Bow River ice jam between Morley and Canmore AB

Flood Prevention Techniques

  • Create floodplains
  • Maintain wetlands
  • Establish long, winding river paths
  • Construct natural or artificial levees
  • Use hydrologic monitoring systems
  • Use floodways or river diversions
  • Use dams and reservoirs

Drawbacks to Dams

  • Water is stored for agriculture and power generation
  • Reservoirs must be lowered to make space for flood water
  • If done, flood volume only reduces by ~5%
  • TransAlta needs compensation for using dams and reservoirs for flood use due to a reduction in power and water availability

Predicting Floods

  • Measure amount of rainfall in real time
  • Measure rate of change in river stage (height) in real time
  • Have knowledge of storm type producing moisture
  • Characteristics of the river's drainage basin

Flood Proofing Measures

  • Move away from flood-prone areas
  • Utilize structures that survive large floods
  • Elevate building foundations above anticipated flood levels
    • Done by Drumheller, AB for Red River floods
  • Isolate buildings from flood waters with earth walls or mounds
    • Vancouver, BC uses this technique for the Fraser River (dikes) and Pacific Ocean (seawall)
  • Use waterproof doors, windows, and basement walls
  • Install drains with pumps to remove water
  • Install ground-level windows that allow flood water to pass through a building without washing away
    • Requires waterproofing of building walls and floors
  • Use building materials that are easily cleaned after a flood
  • Grade sites to drain water away from buildings

Benefits to Floods

  • The creation of new wetlands or floodplains leads to:
    • Flood storage, erosion control, and water quality maintenance by removing debris
    • Recharge of groundwater
    • New wildlife habitats
  • Flood waters spread organic matter across the land, fertilizing it

Understanding the 2013 Calgary Flood

  • As of June 2013, daily precipitation exceeded 1 year's average in only 2.5 days
  • Warm rain and significant snowpack runoff
  • Steep Mountain slopes increased runoff rate into rivers
  • The Bow River's normal protection measures were inadequate at the volume and sediment loads
  • Areas throughout Southern Alberta saw record flooding

Why Flooding Occurs

  • A year's worth of snow fell in 2.5 days time
  • Warm rain and a significant snowpack created large meltwater runoff
  • Mountain slopes drove water into rivers
  • Normal protection measures were inadequate for the volume of water and sediment load in the river
  • The effects of the flood included widespread damage
    • ranges from extreme to subtle and repairs are necessary to fix A small flood will have large damage if damage has not already been fixed

Calculating Water Discharge

  • Measurements for flood size are performed at Gauging stations
  • Utilize a current meter
  • Divide cross sections into 5-10 sections
  • Measure the velocity of the water at each section
  • Locate current meter depth using a .6 rule
    • River velocity is then estimated at .63 times the flow depth at ay location
  • Water Discharge formulas include:
    • Q = AV Where: Q = discharge (m3/s), A = cross-sectional area (m2), V = water velocity (m/s)
    • Q = wdV Where: w = channel width (m), d = channel depth (m), V = water velocity (m/s)

Hydrograph Characteristics

  • Plots discharge (Q) vs time (t)
  • Rising and falling limb with peak
  • Lag occurs between precipitation and stage of discharge
  • Lag is determined by:
    • Basin shape and size
    • Surficial materials
    • Groundwater contribution

Measuring Flood Size and Occurrence

  • Statistical review based on discharge
  • Measurements are expressed as a chance or time frame
    • e.g. 1:100 year flood (protection standard)
  • The 2013 Southern Alberta flood was ~ 1:40 year flood
  • Any size flood at any time is possible, and depends on conditions
  • Theoretically - two 1:100 year floods can happen in two consecutive years and then nothing for 30-40 years
  • Equation for recurrence rate includes T = (n + 1) / m - n = number of observations - M = magnitude (based on discharge) - T = recurrence interval (flood size)
  • This formula estimates the likelihood of a flood occurring in a given period.
  • The recurrence interval can be calculated using differing data sets, such as:
    • The government calculated 2013 as a 1-in-22 year flood
      • Observations taken for 99 years with a rating calculated - data for T = (99+1)/5
        • results in a 1-in-20 year flood rating
    • The government calculated 2015 as a 1-in-110 year flood -Observations taken for 105 years with a discharge calculations of (m=3) - data for T = (105+1)/ 3 -results in a 1 - in - 35 year flood rating. -The government calculated 2018 as a ~1-in-87 year flood -Observation taken for 110 years -M = 3 Discharged calculations -T = (110 +1)/ 3 - T = 1 in 37 year flood rating.

The Good and Bad About Flood History

  • Preparations are based largely on historical records of similar events
  • The largest Calgary floods were in the late 1800s with no accurate measurements
    • Discharge is estimated with reference to landmarks and how full the river was

Additional Problems with Flood History Data

  • Proper measuring equipment was first introduced after 1900
  • Equipment not designed for high discharge is easily destroyed
  • Real-time systems started in the 1950's, but Bowness got only 45 minutes warning in 2013
  • Problems during record collection occur during: -Determining flood magnitude as no clear rules apply -Early large floods can be discarded is discharge is questionable -Flood equipment breaks

Special Considerations about the 2013 Calgary Flood

  • Some Calgary areas had special flood problems connected to the infrastructure creating worse flood conditions
  • Sunnyside flooded from Bow River up storm sewers, and Crescent Heights down storm sewers
  • Flood water was not meant to create problems where it ended up

Changes to the Bow River

  • Debris carried from mountains altered river channel and water path
  • Authorities warn against river use until properly surveyed
  • The volume of rocks, gravel, sediment and debris has greatly increased altering river habitats
    • Debris-laden floodwaters in the Elbow River washed out the bridge on Highway 66
    • A temporary bridge (left) was implemented over the Elbow River with repair work fixing the original -Navigation is considered very hazardous due to debris

2023 City of Calgary Flood Summary

  • City of Calgary has made adaptation, preparationg, and response to flooding for ten years
  • A a three-layered approach to flood resiliency is in place with multi-faceted approach -Physical protection -Infrastructure upgrades -Riverbank improvements + public education support
  • The City's flood risk will reduce by 70% when the Springbank Off Stream Resevoir is operational
  • By 2025, flood risk reduction in Calgary is expected to reach 70% due to improved infrastructure and planning

Flood Preparedness

  • The 2013 Calgary flood highlighted a lack of preparedness in:
    • Health and safety facilities
    • Infrastructure (roads, bridges)
    • Insurance policies

Flood Inevitability

  • Floods are inevitable but manageable with planning, infrastructure, and community resilience.
  • A proactive approach is key to minimizing loss of life and property.

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