Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for Banff, with heavy rain expected through Monday and Tuesday.
Greater than normal snowpack at higher elevations combined with heavy rain will cause high flow rates in streams and rivers, which has a risk of the Bow River breaching its banks. (Environment Canada updates at weather.gc.ca/ and look up Banff)
Town of Banff crews are preparing for trail closures along Bow River. Sandbags are being prepared in the Industrial District and some stockpiling near the Recreation Grounds. Banff Firefighters have readied the response trailer and temporary dams that can be rolled out along Birch Avenue.
Residents of the Rocky Mountain Cooperative are being informed about flood risk in extreme situations.
The Town of Banff is currently on a Rainfall Warning. No areas are under a flood watch. If the rainfall is high volume and persists continuously, and if snowpack at higher elevations melts at rapid rates, the river is at risk of breaching banks.
What to do:
- Register for emergency alerts for updates on the changing situation. Register with your home location at banff.ca/Alerts to receive notice by email, text or via the Voyent Alert App.
- Stay away from riverbanks as water rises and flow rates increase. Keep pets and children away from the river. Avoid any trails that are barricaded.
- For people in the lowest areas (along Birch Avenue), review evacuation preparation information available at banff.ca/Emergency. Prepare an Emergency Kit, also called a “Go Bag” with essential items, and keep near your door. Visit banff.ca/emergency for contents of the Go Bag.