Bow River communities west of the city remain on high alert

Lower than forecasted rain and snowfall in the Rockies has helped keep the Bow River from overflowing west of Calgary.

But the Banff townsite and the Bow upstream of the mountain park remain under a flood watch, and a high-streamflow advisory has been issued west of Cochrane.

Alberta Environment and Parks recorded a higher-than-average water level in the Upper Bow Basin because of the recent snowmelt and the ministry says it is monitoring the situation closely with officials from the Town of Cochrane.

The Bow River upstream of Banff was also at a higher-than-average level over the weekend, but the level is expected to slowly recede over the next few days.

The province said no significant flooding is expected and the advisories may be downgraded as the water level is expected to drop.

“The River Forecast Centre has been in direct communication with municipality and parks staff in these areas, and will continue to monitor the precipitation and water level rises throughout this event and update advisory levels as necessary,” the advisory said.

Environment Canada called for between 25 and 35 millimetres of precipitation in the Upper Bow and Red Deer basins, with another 10 to 20 mm expected in Calgary by Wednesday night.

Up to 30 mm of rain could fall in the foothills region with the Sundre area seeing potentially 10 to 20 mm.

More information on river advisories and flooding is available on the Alberta Environment and Parks river basins website.