Alberta floods

Shady · June 29, 2013

management by disaster... in the absence of disaster, assume disaster will not occur! Is there a problem!Calgary floods spotlight cities' costly failure to plan for climate change --- Municipalities not ready for rising number of severe weather events

There is no rising number of severe weather events in Calgary.

Topaz · June 29, 2013

Speaking of floods, off the coast of Africa on their west coast, there's a volcano on the ocean floor and IF it decides to blow, the tide wave would come inland up to 50-100 miles and it would apparently make the Great Lakes over flow to ONE BIG Lake!!! SW Ontario besides part of the US states would be gone. God I hope not! The article I read said that Florida, would be gone and NFLD would be gone along with PEI.

Boges · July 3, 2013

http://www.castanet.net/news/Canada/94511/Calgarians-raise-stink-over-flood-claims

Some homeowners are banding together in an attempt to name and shame insurance companies that have rejected their claims for sewer backup damage following recent floods.

Residents of the Elbow Park neighbourhood in Calgary say some insurance companies are approving claims while others are not - despite similar policy wording.

That just doesn't make sense to Tom Carter, who is exhausted after spending the last week gutting his finished basement of contents that were ruined by two metres of smelly sewer water.

"It is disappointing. I was sick to my stomach. You think you are covered and then you find out that you are not," Carter said Tuesday after his claim was rejected by AMA Insurance.

Apparently insurance companies don't even offer policies for flooding due to river waters. The premium would be too high because not enough people would take out the policy to make it worthwhile.

If they're being shamed to pay out on claims they never agreed to cover that means rates will increase for the rest of us. People don't like insurance companies but I can't fault them here.

Spiderfish · July 3, 2013

http://www.castanet.net/news/Canada/94511/Calgarians-raise-stink-over-flood-claims

Apparently insurance companies don't even offer policies for flooding due to river waters. The premium would be too high because not enough people would take out the policy to make it worthwhile.

If they're being shamed to pay out on claims they never agreed to cover that means rates will increase for the rest of us. People don't like insurance companies but I can't fault them here.

From what I understand, overland flooding is an act of god, and not insurable. Sewer backup, however is covered under many policies. I believe these claims are what the insurance companies are denying, upsetting people who are supposed to have this coverage. It seems to come down to the fine print, the companies that have denied the claims do offer sewer backup coverage unless the sewer backup was caused by flooding.

Edited July 3, 2013 by Spiderfish

waldo · July 5, 2013

following up on previous possible causal linkages to the Alberta flood; i.e., the jet stream and Arctic amplification:

"the southwest Alberta floods are caused by, as described, "the confluence of a massive high pressure system, held in place by a loop in the jet stream, slamming up against the mountains". That same unusually placed jet stream has been responsible for the recent record Alaska high temperatures over the last couple of weeks. The jet stream!" Again, see anthropogenic sources... see global warming... see accelerated Arctic ice melting... see Arctic Amplification... see changing/shifting jet-stream... see an expectation of "more extreme weather events, such as heavy snowfall, heat waves, and flooding in North America and Europe, varying in location, intensity and timescales".

.....Evidence linking Arctic amplification to extreme weather in mid-latitudes

providing theoretical support to the above mentioned 2012 study (by Dr. Jennifer Francis of Rutgers University), the study from the Pottsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany: Weather extremes: atmospheric waves and climate change

The northern hemisphere has experienced a spate of extreme weather in recent times. In 2012 there were destructive heat waves in the US and southern Europe, accompanied by floods in China. This followed a heat wave in the US in 2011 and one in Russia in 2010, coinciding with the unprecedented Pakistan flood and the list doesnt stop there.

Now we believe we have detected a common physical cause hidden behind all these individual events: each time one of these extremes struck, a strong wave train had developed in the atmosphere, circling the globe in mid-latitudes. These so-called planetary waves are well-known and a normal part of atmospheric flow. What is not normal is that the usually moving waves ground to a halt and were greatly amplified during the extreme events.

Climate change caused by greenhouse-gas emissions from fossil-fuel burning does not bring a uniform global warming. In the Arctic, the warming is amplified by the loss of snow and ice. This in turn reduces the temperature difference between the Arctic and, for example, Europe. Yet temperature differences are a main driver of air flow, thereby influencing the planetary waves. Additionally, continents generally warm and cool more readily than the oceans.

These two factors are crucial for the mechanism now detected. They result in a changing pattern of the mid-latitude air flow, so that for extended periods the slow waves get trapped. The irregular surface temperature patterns disturb the global air flow. This analysis is based on equations that our team of scientists developed, mathematically describing the wave motions in the extra-tropical atmosphere. The conclusions drawn from the equations were tested using standard daily weather data from the US National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP).

During recent periods in which several major weather extremes occurred, the trapping and strong amplification of particular waves like wave seven (which has seven troughs and crests spanning the globe) was observed. The data show an increase in the occurrence of these specific atmospheric patterns.

This analysis helps to explain the increasing number of unprecedented weather extremes. It complements previous research that already showed that climate change strongly increases the number of heat records around the world, but which could not explain why previous records were broken by such stunning margins. The findings should significantly advance the understanding of weather extremes and their relation to man-made climate change.

waldo · July 5, 2013

from Weather Underground - July 3rd: Third extreme jet stream pattern of the past five weeks

The jet steam is exhibiting unusual behavior over the U.S., a pattern we've seen become increasingly common in summertime over the past decade. There's a sharp trough of low pressure over the Central U.S., and equally sharp ridges of high pressure over the Western U.S. and East Coast. Since the jet acts as the boundary between cool, Canadian air to the north and warm, subtropical air to the south, this means that hot extremes are penetrating unusually far to the north under the ridges of high pressure, and cold extremes are extending unusually far to the south under the trough of low pressure. The ridge over the Western U.S., though slowly weakening, is still exceptionally intense.

This week's extreme jet stream pattern is the third time in the past five weeks that we've seen a highly amplified ridge-trough pattern that has led to extreme weather:

Pattern 1 - This ridge, which on Sunday brought Earth its highest temperatures in a century (129°F or 54°C in Death Valley, California), was responsible for more record-breaking heat on Tuesday. July 2. Most notably, Redding, California hit 116°, just 2° short of their all-time record. Death Valley had a low of 104°, the second hottest night on record since 1920 (the hottest was just last summer!) Numerous daily high temperature records were set in Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. It was the opposite story in the Central U.S., where the southwards-plunging jet stream allowed record cold air to invade Texas. Waco, Texas, hit 58°F this morning (July 3), the coldest temperature ever measured in July in the city. Numerous airports in Texas, Nebraska, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kansas, and Missouri set new daily record low temperatures this morning. And over the Eastern U.S., the northward-pointing branch of the jet stream is creating a potentially dangerous flooding situation, by pulling a moisture-laden flow of tropical air from the Gulf of Mexico over the Florida Panhandle north-northeastward into the Appalachians. Up to five inches of rain is expected over this region over the next few days, and wunderground's severe weather map is showing flash flood warnings for locations in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.

Pattern 2 - The end of May and beginning of June, when the $22 billion Central European floods occurred. A high pressure ridge became stuck over northern Scandanavia, causing all-time May heat records--as high as 87°F--at stations north of the Arctic Circle in Finland. The high pressure ridge blocked low pressure systems from moving north, and a series of two low pressure systems dumped record rains over Austria and Germany, creating the highest floods ever seen on portions of the Danube River. The $22 billion price tag made it the 5th most expensive non-U.S. weather-related disaster in world history.

Pattern 3 - June 18 - 22, when a ridge of high pressure over Alaska broke all-time heat records in the state, with unofficial readings as high as 98°F. A low pressure system became trapped over Alberta, Canada, bringing the city of Calgary a $3 billion flood disaster. This was the most expensive flood in Canadian history, and third most expensive natural disaster of any kind for the country. The only more expensive disasters were a 1989 wildfire ($4.2 billion) and a 1977 drought ($3 billion.)

Accountability Now · July 5, 2013

This ridge, which on Sunday brought Earth its highest temperatures in a century (129°F or 54°C in Death Valley, California), was responsible for more record-breaking heat on Tuesday. July 2. Most notably, Redding, California hit 116°, just 2° short of their all-time record.

The highest temperature ever was at the same spot in 1913. What caused that to happen?

Most notably, Redding, California hit 116°, just 2° short of their all-time record.

Redding has hit 116F five times in the last 25 years. (http://sacramento-ca.knoji.com/10-alltime-hottest-weather-temperature-days-in-redding-california/)

Were all those jet stream related?

Death Valley had a low of 104°, the second hottest night on record since 1920 (the hottest was just last summer!)

What caused the 1920 night to be so hot? Jet stream again?

Waco, Texas, hit 58°F this morning (July 3), the coldest temperature ever measured in July in the city.

The previous record was 60F which happened four times including July 5, 1940 and July 6, 1924. What caused these temperatures to be so low?

Do you think its possible that this same perfect storm for jet stream activity has happened in the past?

waldo · July 5, 2013

Do you think its possible that this same perfect storm for jet stream activity has happened in the past?

if it has, speak to that... and provide suggestion as to a causal link for it's happening. Remember - science is your friend!

Accountability Now · July 5, 2013

if it has, speak to that... and provide suggestion as to a causal link for it's happening. Remember - science is your friend!

I guess you can't answer my questions. Apparently science isn't your friend.

waldo · July 5, 2013

I guess you can't answer my questions. Apparently science isn't your friend.

you brought up the "what if's"... apparently, you can't support your own "what if" scenario. Have a nice day.

Accountability Now · July 5, 2013

you brought up the "what if's"... apparently, you can't support your own "what if" scenario. Have a nice day.

Again...you are mistaken. I have brought up zero 'what ifs'. I easily pointed out that similar occurances if not more extreme occurances have happened in the past. These are not 'what ifs'. They are fact.

The only "what if' is you making claims that the jet stream caused these. I asked you questions about your 'what if' scenario and you refused to answer. If you don't feel like evaluating your 'what if' then don't post it in a forum.

waldo · July 5, 2013

Again...you are mistaken. I have brought up zero 'what ifs'. I easily pointed out that similar occurances if not more extreme occurances have happened in the past. These are not 'what ifs'. They are fact.

The only "what if' is you making claims that the jet stream caused these. I asked you questions about your 'what if' scenario and you refused to answer. If you don't feel like evaluating your 'what if' then don't post it in a forum.

there is a likelihood. You simply choose to ignore the possibility of a climate change affect/impact on the jet stream... you simply choose to ignore the science... the studies presented, the reputable articles linked/cited, the World Meteorlogical Organization reports, the IPCC references, etc. You simply choose to ignore it all while offering absolutely nothing in response. I suggest you go ignore it/deny it before a more accepting audience.

Accountability Now · July 5, 2013

there is a likelihood. You simply choose to ignore the possibility of a climate change affect/impact on the jet stream... you simply choose to ignore the science... the studies presented, the reputable articles linked/cited, the World Meteorlogical Organization reports, the IPCC references, etc. You simply choose to ignore it all while offering absolutely nothing in response. I suggest you go ignore it/deny it before a more accepting audience.

The funny thing is that I am a true fence sitter when it comes to the whole global warming thing. However, whenever I see global warming beleivers using baseless numbers it makes me strongly question EVERYTHING else they say. I tend to believe that is why your cause isn't taken as seriously as it should. Too many fanatics out there saying the wrong things. So as for your suggestion about a more accepting audience, I think you need to consider what's going to happen to your audience if you continue to spew your baseless facts.

waldo · July 5, 2013

The funny thing is that I am a true fence sitter when it comes to the whole global warming thing. However, whenever I see global warming beleivers using baseless numbers it makes me strongly question EVERYTHING else they say. I tend to believe that is why your cause isn't taken as seriously as it should. Too many fanatics out there saying the wrong things. So as for your suggestion about a more accepting audience, I think you need to consider what's going to happen to your audience if you continue to spew your baseless facts.

you're ignoring the facts... the one's you call baseless.

your position is these relatively recent jet stream patterns over the last years are nothing unusual. You've been presented with the background science that says otherwise... that says, the jet stream shifting is associated with Arctic amplification relative to the accelerated melting of Arctic sea ice.

if you want to actually step beyond your stated unsubstantiated opinion, the onus is on you to support your claim that the these recent jet stream patterns are... nothing unusual. You could also quit avoiding the repeated requests for you to provide attribution for the increased occurrence of extreme events, most pointedly, (amongst other profile events), the recent Alberta flood.

bush_cheney2004 · July 5, 2013

I guess you can't answer my questions. Apparently science isn't your friend.

Worse yet...for the warmies...the "science is settled".

waldo · July 5, 2013

troll away, troll away!

Accountability Now · July 5, 2013

if you want to actually step beyond your stated unsubstantiated opinion, the onus is on you to support your claim that the these recent jet stream patterns are... nothing unusual. You could also quit avoiding the repeated requests for you to provide attribution for the increased occurrence of extreme events, most pointedly, (amongst other profile events), the recent Alberta flood.

Unsubstantiated opinion? I have shown you that these floods and temperatures have occurred in the past. As much as you don't want to hear it, that is a fact and not opinion. Do I need to break out the dictionary again and define fact?

You state the increases occurrence of extreme events and then use Calgary as your example? This proves exactly what I'm talking about! I have countless times provided you with the floods that have occurred in the last 100 years which clearly show there were many more floods in the first 100 years than recently. But you continue to claim increased frequency? Again...you are using baseless facts to try and prove something. Your audience knows this.

So...back to my question? What caused the temperatures and floods of the past to be so severe? Was it the jet stream then too? Was it global warming? Or something else? What was it?

Accountability Now · July 5, 2013

Worse yet...for the warmies...the "science is settled".

I'm not sure if anything is settled but it sure doesnt help to be claiming every event as a global warming caused issue.

waldo · July 5, 2013

So...back to my question? What caused the temperatures and floods of the past to be so severe? Was it the jet stream then too? Was it global warming? Or something else? What was it?

you're asking me to substantiate your claim??? That's not how it works around here! :lol: That onus is on you!

waldo · July 5, 2013

Unsubstantiated opinion? I have shown you that these floods and temperatures have occurred in the past. As much as you don't want to hear it, that is a fact and not opinion. Do I need to break out the dictionary again and define fact?

you clearly lack an understanding of the "subtleties" of increased occurrences as compared to the past! :lol:

waldo · July 5, 2013

You state the increases occurrence of extreme events and then use Calgary as your example? This proves exactly what I'm talking about! I have countless times provided you with the floods that have occurred in the last 100 years which clearly show there were many more floods in the first 100 years than recently. But you continue to claim increased frequency? Again...you are using baseless facts to try and prove something. Your audience knows this.

that's right! The recent southwest Alberta floods are an anomaly that correlates with the presence of a shifting jet stream... the same shift that coincidentally associates to the recent record breaking temperatures in Alaska. You continue to ignore the watershed and management practice changes that have occurred in the past 50-60 years... of course you do! Somehow, you actually believe there's a basis to directly compare the Bow River Basin floods, pre-changes, to today! I listed you an accounting of ~ a dozen dams/reservoir changes in that period... you ignored them all! It's what you do.

waldo · July 5, 2013

I'm not sure if anything is settled but it sure doesnt help to be claiming every event as a global warming caused issue.

your fabrication only belies your lack of an argument and your failed position only backed by your unsubstantiated opinion. Significant lengths have been taken to express the change in extreme events as an "increase in events", one correlated with climate change... one associated to, for example, shifting jet stream patterns attributed to Arctic amplification (accelerated Arctic sea ice melting).

Accountability Now · July 5, 2013

you're asking me to substantiate your claim??? That's not how it works around here! That onus is on you!

I have yet to make a claim about what caused those past floods or extreme temperatures. I asked you a question which you clearly can't answer but yet continue to march on with your claim. Clearly your claim is not very strong if it can't answer that one question!!

Accountability Now · July 5, 2013

you clearly lack an understanding of the "subtleties" of increased occurrences as compared to the past!

I guess you don't like numbers. Too bad...true science uses them effectively.

Accountability Now · July 5, 2013

that's right! The recent southwest Alberta floods are an anomaly that correlates with the presence of a shifting jet stream... the same shift that coincidentally associates to the recent record breaking temperatures in Alaska. You continue to ignore the watershed and management practice changes that have occurred in the past 50-60 years... of course you do! Somehow, you actually believe there's a basis to directly compare the Bow River Basin floods, pre-changes, to today! I listed you an accounting of ~ a dozen dams/reservoir changes in that period... you ignored them all! It's what you do.

Nope..the Alberta Transportation report said that all the dams do nothing to contain flood water. But you chose to ignore it as that didn't help your arguement.

Clearly you are grasping