Reminder: Advisory for Calgary Rivers

Calgary, AB - Due to recent rainfall and the increased river flow, the Calgary Fire Department is reminding Calgarians to avoid any type of boating activities along the Bow and Elbow Rivers. An advisory was issued earlier this month in relation to the debris and other changes to the rivers as a result of the 2013 Flood.

A combination of rainfall and continued snow pack melting has resulted in a water level at 300 cubic metres/second on the Bow. A high-flow stream advisory is issued anytime levels reach over 280 cubic metre/second. The Elbow River is currently at 35 cubic metres/second. Advisories for the Elbow are normally issued at 40 cubic metres/second, but we are reminding citizens to avoid the Elbow as well due to debris and other hazards. 

The Calgary Fire Department urges all river users to use extreme caution and to know the risks. Conditions on the river can change quickly. All users should be prepared for a variety of conditions and should always be wearing a life jacket or PFD on the water and have the required safety equipment on-board.

The Calgary Fire Department also advises Calgarians to stay off of river banks as increased water flow can cause the banks to become unstable and collapse.

Water Services will issue updates on water levels as required. The flow rates are still considered within a normal range for this time of year.

More information on boating and river safety can be found at www.calgary.ca/fire.