Above Watch: The long weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and flood season, so the city took to the banks of the Bow River to deliver a message of safety. Doug Vaessen reports.
It’s a new river and its flood season, and the City of Calgary took to the banks of the Bow River Thursday to deliver a message of safety and preparation for whatever flows downstream in the weeks ahead.
So far, flood risk is low, based on river forecasts, soil moisture, rainfall and snow melt rates in the mountains.
Mountain snowpack is at the low end of a normal range and the past 90-day precipitation level is drier than average, which is not uncommon.
But more wet weather could come in the next six weeks due to El Nino conditions.
Officials are also warning river users eager to get out on the water in their rafts, canoes, kayaks and boats to be aware.
“The river is always changing, but especially after the flood,” said Acting Insp. Kyle Grant, with the Calgary Police Service.”
The Marine Unit has been out on the water surveying it so officers get familiar with any new conditions or obstacles, “to get that information out to boaters and rafters to make sure they are safe as well,” Grant said.
So far this spring, the Bow River is flowing at a rate of about 100 cubic metres per second – considered normal for mid-May.
The Elbow River is flowing at five cubic metres per second, also normal for this time of year.
Kayaker Danny Gariepy said he loves the changes to whitewater conditions on the Bow since the 2013 flood.
But the former rafting guide believes users have to show responsibility for their own safety.
“I …took all my safety courses even before I got out on the water,” Gariepy said. “It’s not just your life you put at risk if you put yourself in a bad spot; people have to come and help you.”
City experts from now until July, flood conditions can change in a day, with the right rain.
You can find safety tips for boating and how best to prepare for a flash flood here.
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