Flood watch issued west of Calgary as heavy rain moves in
Elbow River upstream could rise 1.5–2.4 metres through Tuesday. City says Calgary itself won't see overbank flooding.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
A provincial flood watch is in effect for the Elbow River upstream of Calgary as Southern Alberta braces for heavy rain through early this week.
Alberta Environment and Parks forecasts water levels on the Elbow could rise 1.5 to 2.4 metres, with peak flows between 150 and 240 cubic metres per second. The advisory warns there may be impacts at Glencoe Golf Course.
Within Calgary, the city has issued high streamflow advisories for both the Bow and Elbow rivers. Boating is no longer allowed and pathway closures are expected as water levels rise.
Mayor Jeromy Farkas said Sunday evening that officials don't anticipate overbank river flooding in Calgary, though conditions can shift quickly. Glenmore Reservoir has been drawn down in advance and has capacity to capture forecast runoff from the Elbow. The city is coordinating with the province and TransAlta to manage flows on both rivers.
Environment Canada issued a rainfall warning Saturday forecasting 50 to 100 millimetres through Tuesday morning, with heavier bursts expected Sunday evening into Monday. Weak thunderstorms are also possible Sunday evening.
So far this month, Calgary has seen about 65 millimetres of rain — below the June average of 112.5 millimetres. The incoming system could bring the monthly total close to normal.
