Deep Snowpack Could Boost Bow Valley Paddling Season

One of the deepest mountain snowpacks in decades could keep Bow Valley rivers flowing later into the summer, creating new opportunities for rafters and paddlers while increasing hazards as spring runoff accelerates.

Water experts, provincial snow surveys and local rafting operators say mountain snowpack remains well above average across much of the Bow River basin. Provincial surveys conducted in late May found some alpine areas were carrying 60% to 96% more snow than normal, including sites near Lake Louise, Larch Valley and Katherine Lake.

Even after weeks of melting, early June surveys found some of those same areas still held 41% to 76% more snow than normal.

John Pomeroy, a University of Saskatchewan professor and director of the Global Water Futures Observatories, told the Calgary Herald in March that stations stretching from Kananaskis to Jasper National Park were showing "remarkable" snowpacks.

"Our latest snow surveys are showing more than double what the average would be at this time of year, and in some cases triple what we had last year for the water equivalent of the snowpack," said Pomeroy. "That's pretty good news."

Pomeroy said the snowmelt in the Bow River basin this year could be "one of the highest in our lifetimes."

"That will help us with the low flows into rivers that we've been seeing in recent late summers and falls, which has been problematic in Calgary and for the irrigation downstream," he said.

Chris McKenna, founder and co-owner of Canmore Raft Tours, said stronger snow accumulation in the high country could help keep rivers running higher later into the summer after several years of declining water levels by mid-June.

"After years of uncertainty of how much water and how long our season will run, it would be nice to have a good water year," said McKenna.

He said many local waterways, including the Bow River, Kananaskis River, Spray River, Cougar Creek and Pipestone River, could see higher flows than in recent seasons, depending on weather conditions over the coming weeks.

"By having an above average snowpack, and the right environmental conditions, those levels could stay higher later into the summer, providing more opportunities and stretching the season out longer," he said.

The same runoff that could keep rivers flowing later into the summer is also creating hazardous conditions for recreationists. The impacts are already being felt across the Bow Valley.

In late May, rising water levels prompted high streamflow advisories, trail closures and flood mitigation measures in Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise. Municipalities and Parks Canada warned residents and visitors to stay away from rivers and creeks as snowmelt and rainfall pushed waterways higher. In Canmore, portions of low-lying pathways were flooded by the Bow River, while Parks Canada closed parts of the Fenland trail network in Banff and trails along the Pipestone River near Lake Louise because of high water.

Alberta Forestry and Parks said above-average snowpack does not necessarily lead to more rescue calls, but rapidly changing conditions caused by snowmelt can increase risks for recreationists.

"Sudden and rapid melting can cause additional safety considerations that visitors should keep in mind when recreating in the mountains," the department said.

The department said river and creek flows can fluctuate rapidly during runoff season and may become impassable as water volumes increase later in the day or when thunderstorms move through an area.

Alberta Parks also urged people participating in rafting and river activities to monitor river conditions and stream advisories before heading out. The department warned high runoff can carry additional hazards, including broken trees and other debris. They also noted that many mountain trails remain in winter conditions.

"These conditions can change simple routes into challenging ones that require winter equipment," the department said.

McKenna echoed those concerns, warning that high water can bring fast, cold, muddy currents along with debris and other hazards hidden beneath the surface. He said poor visibility, floating wood and shifting rocks can make self-rescue difficult if an incident occurs on the water.

McKenna said paddlers should have appropriate training, cold-water gear and an understanding of their limits before heading onto mountain rivers during runoff season. He also encouraged visitors to use professional outfitters and certified guides when recreating on local waterways.

"It truly is an amazing way to experience the Rockies," he said. "The perspective from the river is like nothing else."