Bow River surges past safe levels as heavy rain continues
A flood watch extends into its fourth day as precipitation peaks above 400 cubic metres per second, but remains well below 2013 flood levels.
The Bow River has climbed past safe thresholds as heavy rain continues hammering Calgary, with the Calgary Fire Department maintaining a boating advisory across both the Bow and Elbow rivers.
As of Monday, the Bow River was flowing at 360 cubic metres per second—more than double the normal 150 cubic meter threshold. By Tuesday, officials anticipate flow rates will exceed 400 cubic metres per second. Environment Canada's yellow rainfall warning remains in effect, with an additional 30 to 70 millimetres expected through Tuesday.
The "June Monsoon" is pulling moisture across the province due to a low pressure system. Calgary has seen variation across the city—the airport recorded 27.8 mm over 48 hours, while areas toward Springbank saw 42 mm and regions south of the city near Staveley topped 100 mm.
While river flows are elevated for this time of year, a hydrologist noted current levels are significantly lower than the catastrophic 2013 flood, when flow rates reached 1,500 to 1,600 cubic metres per second. Calgary Fire Department officials are urging residents to avoid both rivers entirely, keep downspouts channeled away from homes, and watch for downed power lines and trees. Rain is expected to clear by Wednesday, though showers and possible thunderstorms could return Thursday.