High stream flow advisories issued for south central Alberta

Days of heavy rain have resulted in rising stream flows for south central Alberta.

A high stream flow advisory was issued Friday afternoon, stating that “total precipitation amounts of up to 70 mm with local amounts of up to 100 mm are possible in the Red Deer and Bow River basins.”

The advisory for the Bow River Basin includes the tributaries of Waiparous Creek Ghost River, Jumpingpound Creek, Threepoint Creek and Sheep River. Water levels there could rise by 0.5-1 metre due to the wet weather. The low-lying areas next to those waterways may flood, though the advisory states that no major “river related flooding is expected at this time.”

No advisories have been issued for the Elbow River in Calgary, but water levels below the Glenmore Dam have risen by about 0.75 metres. An additional 0.5-0.75-metre rise is expected as the city lets more water through than normal.

READ MORE: Severe weather watches and warnings blanket southern Alberta 

“The City of Calgary would like residents to be aware of the temporary closure of a number of trails that run along the river downstream of the reservoir,” the city said.

The city also cautioned residents to be careful around the high running water ways.

The advisory for the Red Deer River applies to areas upstream of the Dickson Dam. Water levels there could rise by about two metres and “flooding of low-lying areas is possible as water makes its way to streams and rivers.”

The River Forecast Centre does not believe major flooding is a concern for any communities at this time, but has classified the affected rivers as “rising.”

READ MORE: Hundreds more remain displaced with rising water levels in Saskatchewan 

Heavy rain began on Thursday evening, with rainfall warnings issued along the southwestern foothills. Rainy conditions are expected to continue into Saturday afternoon.