Valley under flood watch

Craig Douce RMO photo

Raging waters in Cougar Creek washed out a section of paved trail. The trail and pedestrian bridge over the creek have been closed.

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Due to extremely heavy rainfall in the Bow Valley in recent days, both the Town of Banff and Town of Canmore are on flood watch.

Further, on Wednesday (June 6) Alberta Environment issued a flood watch advisory for the Bow River.

The Town of Banff advises all visitors and residents to avoid river banks of the Bow River. The Glen Avenue trail and the Recreation Grounds are closed until further notice. Town of Banff crews are monitoring water levels and are ready to mobilize should conditions warrant it.

In Canmore, a flood watch has been declared and people are being warned to stay away from low-lying areas.

According to Alberta Environment, a streamflow advisory has been issued for the Bow River, upstream of Calgary (Bow Valley), the Oldman River and its tributaries and the Red Deer River, among others.

The flood watch means stream levels are rising and will approach or may exceed bank full. Flooding of areas adjacent to these streams may occur. Anyone situated close to the river is advised to take appropriate precautionary measures.

The Bow Valley’s high streamflow advisory means stream levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly and no major flooding is expected. Minor flooding in low- lying areas is possible. Anyone situated close to the streams affected is advised to be cautious of the rising levels.