Red Deer issued a local state of emergency Thursday evening after Alberta Environment told city officials it will release “a significant amount of water” from the nearby Dickson Dam.

The Red Deer River is expected to crest around noon Friday, the city said in a news release. As a result the Lions Campground and closing parks, trails and outdoor spaces directly adjacent to the Red Deer River have been evacuated.

No residents or businesses are under an evacuation order, but the city is asking people to monitor updates because the situation can change rapidly.

Anyone who may end up under an evacuation order will be given a hand-delivered notice or telephone call and will be notified again with specific times if an order is issued, the city said.

“Based on what we know right now, river levels could be comparable to those in 2005, which did result in some flooding,” city manager Craig Curtis said in the release.

City facilities in affected areas, including its water treatment plant, waste water treatment plant and electric light and power substation will be protected by sandbags, the city said.

Area residents are reminded to stay off the river and away from its banks, which can become very unstable during flood conditions. The city has also closed area trails near Three Mile Bend, Bower Ponds and River Bend. Access to the Canadian Pacific Rail bridge over the river was also closed.

The central Alberta city activated its emergency operations centre for a briefing session and said in a news release that officials are monitoring the flood risk.

“As the situation at the Dickson Dam changes on an ongoing and regular basis, Red Deer continues to adapt and modify its forecasting of potential flood areas,” the news release says.

If flooding happens, residents should ensure basement faucets, outside gas valves and electricity are shut off. If the area around a fuse box or circuit breaker is wet, stand on a dry board to shut off the power using a dry wooden stick. Homeowners should also periodically check on sump pumps to ensure they’re working correctly. Officials recommend against using rivers and streams in the Red Deer area for recreational purposes.

The Dickson Dam is about 50 kilometres southwest of Red Deer.

mibrahim@edmontonjournal.com

Twitter.com/mariamdena