Despite the weather event drenching parts of southern Alberta, Calgary’s likelihood of flooding is low due to mitigation strategies and cooling temperatures.
Since Saturday night, the city has seen between 40 and 80 mm of rain, with upwards of 70 mm expected by the end of the day on Tuesday. As of June 1, the City of Calgary said it doesn’t see the precipitation as posing severe damage.
“Present and forecasted levels for this event are not expected to result in widespread flooding,” read the email statement.
“Evacuations, road or bridge closures, temporary barriers, flood barrier closures…and related responses are not anticipated to be required.”
Closures are currently enforced only at pathways along local rivers, including the south bank of the Elbow River, as well as along the Bow River under the Reconciliation Bridge, Centre Street Bridge, Louise Bridge, and Baines Bridge.
Pathways at Bowmont Park and St. Patrick’s Island have also been closed, with the latter being the only location where possible flooding has been identified.
Return to 2013 is unlikely, says City
While it’s normal for water to pool in the streets and around catch basins, the city said that the sudden drop in temperatures has slowed snowmelt from the mountains and reduced streamflow runoff volume.
The city said that the anticipated river flows are at less than 25 percent of the peak levels recorded during the 2013 flood, which they attributed to the release of the reservoirs.
TransAlta’s Ghost Reservoir, located west of Calgary, manages upstream flow, while the Glenmore Reservoir does so within the city’s limits. Both of which have been managed to increase storage capacity for river runoffs.
Still, the rainfall and snowmelt have caused river levels to be above normal, prompting the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) to issue an ongoing boating advisory on May 29, citing concerns about the temperature and users’ inability to see hazards clearly.
“For the safety of river users and emergency responders, the Calgary Fire Department advises everyone to stay off the Bow and the Elbow Rivers until safer conditions return and the boating advisory is lifted,” said Alex Kwan, CFD’s Public Information Officer.
“We know that Calgarians love their rivers, yet we also know that when our waterways flow this high and fast, there’s significant risk to anyone, regardless of your watercraft or skill level. Those walking near our City’s rivers, including people with pets, should exercise caution as well.”
The city said that it will continue to work with the Provincial River Forecast Centre and Environment and Climate Change Canada to respond to the conditions.
Calgarians have been reminded to practice safety in and around riverbanks and moving water. More information about river conditions is available online at calgary.ca/floodinfo.
