Some of you may be aware, Southern Alberta has experienced floods the likes of which have never been recorded in the area before. Calgary continues to be under a state of emergency (although is recovering), and smaller communities around (the town of High River being the hardest hit) have had damage like no one has ever seen. I've heard it reported that we received over 375mm of rain (15") in the course of a couple of days last week in the mountain drainages. Not sure how accurate that is, but given the flooding and the volume of rain we saw, that number is definitely feasible. Many people have been seriously affected.
As well, I've learnt that large portions of our Southern Rocky Mountains are now closed to the public and completely inaccessible. Numerous roads and highways that lead into this country have been damaged, to the point where many bridges and parts of roads have been completely wiped off the map. While it is a small thing in relation to the loss many people are experiencing, quite a number of backcountry lovers will be shut out of this area for the foreseeable future. It may take many months, perhaps much longer, before access is reestablished.
Not really sure why I wanted to put this up. I suppose, just wanting to let everyone here know about the state of things up here. Many people have had their lives changed forever by this event. We are trying to help where we can and the people here are a tough, resilient crowd - we will recover from this. And, while it is a smaller thing in the grand scheme, those of us who crave the backcountry are also feeling the sting from the lose of doing something we love. Not sure what changes there will be in the mountains, but I'm sure it will be significant. Certainly feeling a little anxious about the damage to the country and wildlife in the area.
As well, I've learnt that large portions of our Southern Rocky Mountains are now closed to the public and completely inaccessible. Numerous roads and highways that lead into this country have been damaged, to the point where many bridges and parts of roads have been completely wiped off the map. While it is a small thing in relation to the loss many people are experiencing, quite a number of backcountry lovers will be shut out of this area for the foreseeable future. It may take many months, perhaps much longer, before access is reestablished.
Not really sure why I wanted to put this up. I suppose, just wanting to let everyone here know about the state of things up here. Many people have had their lives changed forever by this event. We are trying to help where we can and the people here are a tough, resilient crowd - we will recover from this. And, while it is a smaller thing in the grand scheme, those of us who crave the backcountry are also feeling the sting from the lose of doing something we love. Not sure what changes there will be in the mountains, but I'm sure it will be significant. Certainly feeling a little anxious about the damage to the country and wildlife in the area.