Experts say building dams and diversion channels not the best way to deal with floods

Scientists and conservationists would like to see more focus on natural solutions to floods and droughts, suggesting the proposed McLean Creek dry dam could further degrade a sensitive headwaters area. Rendering courtesy Government of Alberta

Experts say building dams and diversion channels not the best way to deal with floods

By Colette Derworiz, Calgary Herald May 6, 2014

Scientists and conservationists say the province needs to put more focus on avoiding floods rather than spending millions on infrastructure that could further damage the landscape and increase the future risk of both floods and droughts.

On Thursday evening, University of Saskatchewan hydrologists Paul Whitfield and John Pomeroy gave a presentation at the Whyte Museum in Banff on the science behind the 2013 flood.

“Alberta needs to rely much more on avoidance,” Pomeroy said in an interview Friday.

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