High Streamflow Advisories Issued For Banff and Canmore as Heavy Rain Continues

Heavy rainfall is expected to push water levels higher across the Bow Valley between June 28 and 29, prompting officials to expand high streamflow advisories to include the Bow River through both Canmore and Banff while urging residents to stay away from fast-moving water.

The Town of Canmore announced Sunday that its existing high streamflow advisory, which had previously been limited to steep creeks, now also includes the Bow River after Environment and Climate Change Canada forecast significant rainfall across the region. The advisory comes as between 50 and 100 millimetres of rain is expected in parts of the eastern slopes, with the heaviest precipitation forecast Sunday night before easing Monday.

Officials warned that heavy rainfall could lead to water pooling on roads and in low-lying areas while rapidly rising waterways create dangerous conditions near rivers and creeks.

"Fast-moving and rapidly rising water can sweep vehicles away and damage infrastructure," the Town of Canmore said in its advisory. "Do not drive through flooded roadways."

Residents are being encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel while rainfall is at its heaviest. Those who must drive are advised to ensure headlights are on and windshield wipers are functioning properly.

The town also urged people to exercise extreme caution around steep creeks and the Bow River, warning that riverbanks and embankments can become unstable as flowing water erodes the ground beneath them. Officials said children and pets should be kept well back from the water, noting that swift currents can quickly pull people or animals downstream.

Recreational use of the Bow River is also discouraged until conditions improve.

"Watercraft use on the Bow River is not recommended at this time," the town said.

The advisory follows an updated notice Sunday afternoon from Alberta's River Forecast Centre, which expanded its high streamflow advisory to include tributaries feeding the Bow River upstream of Cochrane. The province said water levels could rise by as much as one metre in those waterways, though no flooding impacts are currently expected.

Separately, a high streamflow advisory remains in effect for the Red Deer River Basin upstream of Dickson Dam, where water levels could rise by up to 1.5 metres.

In Banff, municipal officials said the Bow River is expected to continue rising through the coming days but emphasized that the advisory is precautionary and does not indicate flooding is anticipated.

"This is not a flood watch or a flood warning," the Town of Banff said in a social media update. "The Bow River in Banff will see water level rise today and into the week, but no major impacts are forecast."

No riverside trails in Banff have been affected as of Sunday afternoon, although the town said some low-lying sections could be closed if conditions change. Officials said they will continue monitoring river levels and provide updates as needed.