Cool, cloudy day offers some relief for the R.M. of Stanley

Today's cloud cover and cool temperatures are being welcomed as R.M. of Stanley officials keep an eye on the spring run-off. 
    
In an update sent to PembinaValleyOnline this afternoon, the Municipality said water on top of the escarpment is melting and starting to move. As it stands right now, the main drains are flowing heavy and the Deadhorse Creek is moving quickly.
    
Additional road wash-overs are expected in the coming days up on the escarpment, and crews will be working as required as the water makes its way east. Current road closures and cautions can be found here.

“This has been quite a week, coming out of that last snowstorm to such a quick melt. We were not without some problem areas again this year throughout the RM," noted Reeve Ike Friesen. "I’ve said it before, but I will say it again. I continue to be so impressed with the resilience shown as our public works crews are out working together with contractors and the general community, all fighting the high waters. It is encouraging.”
    
At this point, noted the update, it's unfolding like an average spring for the area. 

“Each melt is different from the next and, at times, it can be quite unpredictable. This melt, with the speed of the water, proved to be somewhat unpredictable," added Friesen.

Meantime, sandbagging took place Wednesday in the village of Schanzenfeld, coordinated by the Southern Emergency Response Committee (SERC).

SERC’s municipal emergency coordinator, Katherine Bueckert, explained they were able to fill bags and get them placed in time to avoid significant damage to several homes, as the water was rising very quickly. She noted, the situation in the area has improved significantly since then.

Sandbagging efforts in Schanzenfeld. (Supplied/SERC)

Bueckert added, despite not making a call for volunteers, people heard what was happening and showed up with shovels and worked hard to protect properties. She offered a special thanks to Conroy Plett of the Rapid Response Team for their response and assistance, adding it was instrumental to the success of the effort.

Another thanks went out to the GMBC Church in Schanzenfeld for allowing crews to use their parking lot to build sandbags, and for their incredible hospitality in providing sandwiches and coffee for volunteers.

Additionally, the Village of Reinfeld had some areas that were being watched on Wednesday evening, as well as Thursday morning, however conditions there have also improved, adding Bueckert.

Empty sand bags are available at the RM of Stanley office. Full and empty bags are available at the City of Morden Public Works shop.

Friday evening video of the Dead Horse Creek Rd 15N and Rd 27W bridges.