Warm spring heat is rapidly melting the deep mountain snowpack, sending water levels on the Bow River surging near Banff. The rising flow has already pushed water onto several low-lying pathways along the river, prompting the Town of Banff to issue a high streamflow advisory Thursday afternoon. Officials say that if the warm spell continues, the river could climb another 30 centimeters by Friday.
The town urged residents and visitors to steer clear of flooded areas, warning that murky water can conceal hazards like open manholes, sinkholes and fast-moving debris. They also cautioned that riverbanks are slick and unstable, posing risks to anyone walking near the edge — especially children and pets. Emergency crews remain on standby as the advisory stretches from upstream of Banff all the way down to the Ghost Reservoir.
Similar alerts were issued Thursday by RCMP in Lake Louise and Parks Canada, with provincial flood watches still active for both the Bow River and the Pipestone River near Lake Louise. Officials report an uptick in debris moving through the Bow, while some lower-lying spots along the Pipestone have already been affected. The province renewed both flood watches Thursday morning as monitoring continues.
Comments