Calgary, AB,
28
May
2018
|
13:46
America/Denver

City of Calgary - Bow River Boating Advisory

The Calgary Fire Department is advising Calgarians against boating and all other watercraft activities on the Bow River.

“The current flow rate on the Bow River is at 298 m3/s — which is higher than the average flow rate for this time of year,” says Carol Henke, Public Information Officer, Calgary Fire Department. “Runoff from melting snow in the mountains is causing cold-water temperatures, and when combined with high flow rates makes the river conditions dangerous.”

Members of Calgary Fire Department Aquatics Team will be monitoring the river while the advisory is in place. However, The City advises everyone to stay off the Bow River until conditions improve.

It is also important for people near the river to be aware of high flow levels. Calgarians are urged to exercise caution around river banks as the fast-moving water can cause erosion and river banks can collapse.

Harvie Passage remains closed to recreational boat traffic. The province of Alberta continues to restore the passage and during this time this section of the river poses extreme risk.

As always, Calgarians are reminded to use caution and be prepared for anything on the water. All watercraft users should wear lifejackets to avoid a mandatory court appearance and fines. In addition to wearing life jackets, river users should avoid consuming alcohol and other intoxicants on Calgary’s waterways.

The City of Calgary 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.

Finally, there are no current advisories on flood activity related to The City of Calgary. River flooding is most likely to occur between May 15 and July 15 due to the combination of snow melt and heavy rainfall events. Calgarians can visit calgary.ca/floodinfo for more information on how to be prepared for flood season.

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