Alberta Environment and Parks has issued a Flood Warning for the Bow River at Banff, Canmore and Exshaw. Heavy rain expected through today and Tuesday.
Greater than normal snowpack at higher elevations combined with heavy rain will cause high flow rates in streams and rivers, which has a risk of the Bow River breaching its banks. (Environment Canada updates at weather.gc.ca and look up Banff. Alberta Environment updates at rivers.alberta.ca)
Town of Banff crews are preparing for trail closures along the Bow River. Sandbags are being prepared in the Industrial District and some stockpiling near the Recreation Grounds. Banff Firefighters have readied the response trailer and temporary dams that can be rolled out along Birch Avenue.
Residents of the Rocky Mountain Cooperative are being informed about flood risk in extreme situations.
What to do:
- Register your home location at banff.ca/Alerts to receive targeted notices by email, text or via the Voyent Alert App.
- Stay away from riverbanks as water rises and flow rates increase. Keep pets and children away from the river. Avoid any trails that are barricaded.
- For people in the lowest areas (along Birch Avenue), review evacuation preparation information available at banff.ca/Emergency. Prepare an Emergency Kit, also called a “Go Bag” with essential items, and keep near your door. Visit banff.ca/emergency for contents of the Go Bag.