Flood watches remain in place as rainfall continues in Alberta

Flood watches remain in place as rainfall continues in Alberta

Heavy rainfall advisory lifted for Calgary but rain expected to continue

Rain continues to pour throughout the province.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)'s heavy rainfall advisory issued Monday for Calgary has been lifted. But the rain isn't done yet, with up to 10 millimetres expected Tuesday and possibly continuing into Wednesday morning.

ECCC historical data indicates the Calgary International Airport weather station saw 26.4 millimetres of rain Monday.

In Calgary, the Bow River is flowing at just under 400 cubic metres per second, comparable to Monday's numbers.

University of Saskatchewan hydrologist John Pomeroy told The Calgary Eyeopener Monday that current river flows are high for this time of year, with a normal flow rate of 150 cubic metres per second expected this time of year.

Still, this is significantly less than the flood year of 2013, when flow rates in the river were around 1,500 to 1,600 cubic metres per second.

High streamflow advisories are in place across Alberta, including parts of southwest Calgary near Fish Creek Provincial Park, where a pathway between Bebo Grove and Marshall Springs has been closed due to damage caused by high water levels.

High streamflow advisories are based on water level changes rather than the potential for major flooding. Affected municipalities say people should stay away from embankments and be cautious around areas affected by high water levels.

Calgary officials say they have rising river levels under control

Medicine Hat taking precautions

The high streamflow advisory for the South Saskatchewan River, which flows through Medicine Hat, Alta., has led the southern Alberta city to take some precautions.

These measures include installing barricades and signage in areas affected by rising water levels, as well as temporarily closing the city's popular Police Point Park, as well as boat launches and several low-lying river pathways.

The city said residents should stay clear of work zones, obey all closures, and avoid low-lying trails along the river. The city added residents should "keep a safe distance from the river, as fast-moving water and saturated banks can create hazardous conditions."

"These closures are being implemented out of an abundance of caution, and there is no anticipated risk of overland flooding or property damage," the city said.

Flooding remains a concern in Banff National Park, where flood watches are in place for the Bow River and Pipestone River near Lake Louise.

Pomeroy said the rainfall has "essentially turned off the snowmelt over much of Banff National Park and the higher ranges in Canada."

Numerous area closures remain in place in Banff National Park due to high water levels and flooding.

Near the Banff townsite, portions of the golf course loop road, the Fenland day-use area and surrounding trails, Marsh Loop Trail and the lower boardwalk of the Cave and Basin Trail are closed due to flooding.

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The Pipestone River area in Lake Louise, and a section of the Bow River Trail between the bridge to the Lake Louise Campground and the south Bow River pedestrian bridge, have been closed by Parks Canada "to ensure visitor safety in areas affected by high water."

Alberta Parks has closed the popular Three Sisters Campground near Canmore to all access due to flooding.

Further north, Seibert Lake Campground is closed due to heavy rainfall washing out the road to Seibert Lake.

The province has also issued warnings, saying Heart Creek Interpretive Trail may be impossible to pass due to high water levels, and that sections of Queen Elizabeth Provincial Park are partially or fully submerged in water, or impacted by fallen trees.

Rock slide closes section of highway

The rain is halting a rock slide from being removed on Highway 742 in Kananaskis Country.

The largely gravel road — also known as Spray Lakes Road and Smith-Dorrien Highway — winds up and down the side of the east end of Rundle Mountain.

In a statement, the Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridors said the section of highway between the popular hikes of Grassi Lakes and Ha Ling Peak will remain closed to vehicles until further notice. The two hikes remain open.

The provincial ministry said once the rain stops, a geotechnical engineer will have to assess the site and only then can the debris be cleaned up.

Amir Said is a multimedia journalist with CBC Calgary. He is an alumnus of the University of Regina, and his award-winning work as a writer and photographer has been published by outlets across Canada, including Postmedia, The Hill Times and The Narwhal. Amir can be reached at amir.said@cbc.ca or through social media.