Calgary Saddledome affected by major flooding in Alberta (Photos)

Severe flooding has hit the Province of Alberta and roughly 75,000 people have been forced to evacuate the area. One of the areas hit included the Saddledome, home of the Calgary Flames.

From the Sun:

Estimates of the potential damages this flood has caused isn't being considered right now as both the city and province focus on the current state of emergency.

About 600 soldiers have been deployed in southern Alberta and another that size is expected to be dispatched by noon.

Earlier in the morning, Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi said the worst was yet to come, as the Bow River waters continued to rise significantly during Friday’s early hours.

Another 30-35% rise was expected Friday morning by 6 a.m. before the river reached its peak.

The Elbow River was already believed to have reached its peak.

The river’s rapid rise and flow resulted in the evacuation of thousands of Calgarians from portions of 25 communities by Thursday’s end.

“I have never seen the Bow River that high and that fast ... I was here in (the floods of) 2005 and this is no comparison,” Nenshi said.

Via Glenn Street, here's a photo of the water making its way down a ramp toward the floor of the arena:

According to the Sun's Eric Francis, once water found its way inside the rink, it was up to the 10th row. Among the damage known now is a large autographed championship banner from the 1989 Stanley Cup champion team.

Follow Sean Leahy on Twitter at @Sean_Leahy