Gillean Daffern, Derek Ryder: The Great Kananaskis Flood, A Disaster That Forever Changed the Face of Kananaskis Country

A compelling story in words and photographs of the worst recorded flood in Albertas history and how it devastated one of North Americas most remarkable outdoor recreation and tourist destinations.

The great Kananaskis flood of 2013 came with no warning. The rains started late in the afternoon of June 19th and didnt let up until the 23rd. Rivers and creeks, swollen to unprecedented size and fury cut off the towns of Canmore and Exshaw and flooded the village of Bragg Creek. Calgarys premier recreation playground, Kananaskis Country, was devastated: roads, bridges, infrastructures and trails were washed away, leaving tourists and business owners stranded. After a massive evacuation the whole of Kananaskis Country was shut down.

This is the story of the flood in words and photographs showing the event itself, the aftermath and assessment of damage and the rebuilding phase that is still ongoing three years later. Of particular interest are pictures taken before and after the landscape changed.