Edmonton river valley trails flood after June breaks 112-year rainfall record
Multiple low-lying trails closed this week as North Saskatchewan River levels spiked to nearly 6.5 metres following record June precipitation.
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Multiple trails along Edmonton's river valley are closed this week after the North Saskatchewan River spiked to nearly 6.5 metres, driven by a record-breaking June that saw the city receive more rain than any month in 112 years.
The Highlands-Dawson Trail, Capilano-Gold Bar Trail, Emily Murphy-Kinsmen Trail, and the River Loop trail near Fort Edmonton Park are all shuttered. Additional closures are in effect along Mill Creek at Jackie Parker Park and the Minchau neighbourhood. Last month, Edmonton broke the previous June rainfall record of 216.5 mm set in 2012.
"When we see the river levels start to rise and they get to 5.5 metres, that's where we need to start evaluating those conditions," said Braeden Holmstrom, supervisor of River Valley Parks for the City of Edmonton. "We have a lot of low-lying trails, and when it hits that 5.5, you can start to see water get onto the trails."
The river peaked at just below six metres this week after climbing rapidly over the weekend. Water levels fluctuated sharply over recent weeks, complicating closure decisions. One section of the Capilano-Gold Bar Trail suffered erosion and a partial collapse, and will remain closed longer than others pending damage assessment.
City crews will conduct evaluations over the next week and begin reopening trails as water subsides below 5.5 metres. Holmstrom said the extent of additional damage remains unclear and will be assessed as the river continues to recede.
