The sump pump is running now to drain over three feet of water from the basement of the Cochrane Museum after a freak ice blockage of the Big Hill Creek wreaked havoc yesterday and throughout the night.

Water continues to pour through the Cochrane Ranch Historic Site but does not appear to be further accumulating around the historic Cochrane building that served as the first hospital in the community. Time will tell, though, and water levels are being watched closely while measures are taken to prevent further damage.

Cochrane Parks manager Brad Luft was on site early this morning to monitor the situation. He says barricades are being established and people are asked to stay out of the area.

Water overflowed the banks of the Big Hill Creek and cut multiple paths across the park's grounds, including one that left a deep pool around the foundation of the museum flooded. There was no water in the basement during initial checks but when Larry Want, president of the Cochrane Historical and Archival Preservation Society, returned to the site around 11:30 p.m. about two feet of water had filled the basement.

With the help of other historical society members, family and the Cochrane Fire Department many value archival pieces were removed from the basement, some of which have sustained water damage. Want was on site until about 4 a.m. establishing sand berms to divert the water. 

At dawn, fellow CHAPS member Frank Hennessey was on site and by then water levels had risen even higher to over three feet but appear to have stabilized.

Cochrane Fire Services is on site now pumping water while society members are gathering their wits about what has happened and plan their next steps.

Watch for further updates on Cochrane Now.