Calgary issues boating advisory for Elbow River

The City of Calgary is issuing a temporary boating advisory for the Elbow River for April 29 to May 1 due to higher expected flow rates. The City of Calgary is advising Calgarians against boating and all other watercraft activities on the Elbow River during this time.

“To manage springtime runoff, the Glenmore Reservoir will be gradually releasing water. The expected flow rates will be higher along the Elbow River for the next several days” says Sandra Davis, team lead river engineering.

Carol Henke, Public Information Officer with the Calgary Fire Department states, “the expected flow rates will exceed our threshold for a boating advisory. Although the increase in water flow is temporary, out of an abundance of caution, we are issuing a boating advisory”.

Calgarians are urged to:

• Exercise caution around river banks as the fast-moving water can cause erosion and destabilization of river banks.
• Warn their children about the dangers of fast-moving water, particularly those residents who live near the rivers.
• Cyclists and pedestrians should watch for low-lying areas where the river can submerge the Elbow River pathways.
• Keep pets away from fast moving water.
• Remove lawn furniture and other portable items off the river bank.

The City encourages all water users to familiarize themselves with safety practice bylaws and safety alerts on calgary.ca/watersafety and monitor flow levels at rivers.alberta.ca.

Pathway closures

Cyclists and pedestrians should watch for low-lying areas where the rivers can cover the river pathways.

Visit calgary.ca/pathwayclosures for up to date information on pathway closures.

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