Home / Weather / Alberta Braces for Deluge: Bow River Flood Risk High
Alberta Braces for Deluge: Bow River Flood Risk High
29 May
Summary
- Southern Alberta faces a wet weekend with warnings of high Bow River levels.
- Banff National Park is at risk of flooding due to recent snowmelt and rain.
- Calgary anticipates increased river flow but expects no major flooding.
Southern Alberta is bracing for a substantial amount of rain, with Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasting heavier showers from Sunday into Tuesday. Climatologist Christy Climenhaga indicated that Calgary could receive 50 to 75 millimetres of rain, while areas west of the city might see over 100 millimetres. Temperatures are also expected to drop.
A high stream-flow advisory is in effect for the Bow River, stretching from Banff National Park down to the Ghost Reservoir. The RCMP attributes the high river levels to recent warm weather melting snowpack, exacerbated by the anticipated weekend rainfall, raising concerns about potential nuisance flooding. Some trails may be closed, and the public is advised to stay clear of riverbanks.
The Town of Canmore is urging extreme caution near the Bow River, recommending that people avoid embankments and boats stay off the water. The City of Calgary expects increased flow in the Bow and Elbow rivers between Friday and Tuesday, though no major flooding is predicted. The city plans to issue boating and high stream-flow advisories and may close pathway underpasses. Officials are expected to provide an update on Friday afternoon.
As of Friday, the Bow River in Banff was flowing at 300 cubic metres per second, more than double its typical rate for this time of year. While this flow is significant, it remains below the more than 430 cubic metres per second recorded during the 2013 floods. Experts do not foresee a repeat of the 2013 event but advise preparedness for unexpected conditions.
