A rainy weekend is expected in southern Alberta, with concerns over rising water levels in the Bow River and potential flooding in Banff National Park. Thunderstorms may occur on Saturday night, followed by heavier rainfall from Sunday through Tuesday. Temperatures are also forecasted to decrease.
Calgary could receive 50 to 75 millimetres of rain, while areas west of the city might see over 100 millimetres. The exact distribution and amount of rainfall remain uncertain for these regions.
A high stream-flow advisory has been issued for the Bow River from Banff to the Ghost Reservoir west of Calgary. The RCMP reports elevated river levels in Banff due to recent warm weather melting the snowpack, combined with the upcoming rain, raising concerns about possible flooding.
The Town of Canmore advises caution near the Bow River, especially for children and pets, urging people to stay away from river edges and keep boats off the water. The Calgary Fire Department has advised against boating on the Bow and Elbow rivers this weekend, with potential localized flooding along the riverbanks.
Various pathways under bridges in Calgary have been closed as a precaution, with more closures possible if river levels rise further. The Glenmore Reservoir’s water level has been lowered to increase storage capacity.
While the Bow River flow is currently higher than normal, experts do not anticipate a repeat of the significant 2013 flooding. Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas reassures residents of proactive flood mitigation measures taken since 2013, emphasizing the importance of staying informed about changing conditions.