Officials are urging caution along the Bow River in the Bow Valley west of Calgary due to melting snowpack pushing water levels higher. Residents and visitors to the area, including Banff National Park and Canmore, are advised to take care as water levels are expected to rise on Friday.
Current Conditions
Conditions along the Bow River remained stable overnight after a flood watch and high streamflow advisories were issued Thursday for areas including Banff National Park and Canmore. Jason Darrah, director of communications and marketing for the Town of Banff, reported Friday morning that river levels subside during cooler overnight temperatures. “Because it cools overnight, that kind of subsides the river levels,” Darrah said. “We don’t have any major change this morning, maybe a couple of extra trails. It’s more nuisance flooding on trails.”
The majority of trails remain open and accessible, with only a few low-lying points along the river affected. Residents and visitors are advised to avoid affected trails and refrain from water sports on the Bow River.
Weekend Forecast and Flood Risk
Rainy conditions forecast over the weekend will determine whether flood risk worsens in the coming days. “The snowpack is being heated up, and we’ll see if it rains today or tomorrow,” Darrah explained. “Depending on where the rain falls, it could contribute or could have no effect.”
A flood watch remains in effect for the Bow River and Pipestone River near Lake Louise, affecting low-lying areas. Water levels are expected to continue rising, and increased debris has been observed in the Bow River. A high streamflow advisory is also in effect for the Bow River from upstream of the town of Banff to Ghost Reservoir. An additional 30-centimetre increase is expected throughout the day Friday, affecting low-lying areas in Banff and potentially causing groundwater issues in Canmore and Exshaw.
Officials will continue to monitor the situation as the weekend approaches. More updates will be provided as conditions evolve.
