Alberta communities are keeping a close watch on rising water levels as rainfall continues to drench the province, with forecasters warning that wet conditions could persist through Wednesday morning.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) lifted its heavy rainfall advisory for Calgary on Tuesday, but that doesn't mean the wet weather is over. The region is still expecting up to 10 millimetres of additional rainfall, with precipitation potentially extending into early Wednesday.
Monday's downpour was significant — the Calgary International Airport weather station recorded 26.4 millimetres of rain in a single day, contributing to swollen rivers across southern Alberta.
Rivers Running High But Not Dangerously
The Bow River flowing through Calgary is currently running at just under 400 cubic metres per second — elevated compared to the typical 150 cubic metres per second expected at this time of year, but well below dangerous levels.
University of Saskatchewan hydrologist John Pomeroy noted that while current flows are unusually high for June, they pale in comparison to the devastating 2013 floods, when the Bow River peaked at 1,500 to 1,600 cubic metres per second.
Calgary officials say they have the situation under control, with no risk of significant overland flooding anticipated. City staff have also lowered the Glenmore Reservoir to help manage the increased water flow.
Precautions in Place Across Southern Alberta
High streamflow advisories remain in effect across Alberta, prompting several municipalities to take preventive action. In Calgary, a pathway between Bebo Grove and Marshall Springs in Fish Creek Provincial Park has been closed due to damage from high water levels.
Medicine Hat is taking similar precautions, installing barricades and signage in vulnerable areas and temporarily closing Police Point Park, boat launches, and several low-lying river pathways along the South Saskatchewan River.
"These closures are being implemented out of an abundance of caution, and there is no anticipated risk of overland flooding or property damage," Medicine Hat officials stated.
The city is urging residents to avoid work zones and low-lying trails, stay clear of embankments, and maintain a safe distance from fast-moving water and saturated banks.
Banff and Lake Louise Under Watch
Flood watches remain in place for the Bow River and Pipestone River near Lake Louise in Banff National Park, where heavy rainfall has temporarily halted snowmelt across the Canadian Rockies.
"The rainfall has essentially turned off the snowmelt over much of Banff National Park and the higher ranges in Canada," Pomeroy explained.
Albertans are advised to stay informed through official channels and avoid flooded areas. Communities can discuss local impacts and share updates on Calgary Forums, where residents often coordinate neighbourhood information during weather events.
This article is based on reporting from CBC Edmonton.