Following heavy rain in Calgary over the weekend, city officials are asking residents to stay off the Bow River.
The city said Sunday the Bow had exceeded recommended safe flow rates for boating or swimming.
As a result, officials are advising against boating and all other water activities on the river for the time being.
Flooding over the riverbanks isn’t expected at this time, but high flow rates could continue, making conditions on or near the river dangerous, the city explains.
Pathways near the river could also continue to be impacted.
The temperature of the water is cold, and with higher flow rates, turbidity is increased, making hazards in the water difficult to see.
“For the safety of river users and emergency responders, the Calgary Fire Department advises everyone to stay off the Bow River until safer conditions return and the boating advisory is lifted,” said Calgary Fire Deputy Chief Pete Steenaerts.
“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.”
Along with turbidity and debris, conditions for a Calgary Fire Department boating advisory include Bow River flow rates exceeding 280 cubic metres per second above the Elbow River confluence, city officials add.
Calgary Fire and its Aquatics Team will continue to monitor Calgary’s waterways while the advisory is in place and will notify Calgarians when the boating advisory is lifted.
The city is out with other safety tips for Calgarians given high flow levels:
- Exercise caution around riverbanks as the fast-moving water can cause erosion and destabilization.
- Warn children about the dangers of fast-moving water, particularly those residents who live near the rivers.
- Cyclists and pedestrians should watch for low-lying areas where the river can submerge the pathways.
- Keep pets away from fast moving water.