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“It’s going to rain pretty well until Wednesday,” Environment Canada meteorologist Sara Hoffman said
A cyclist faces flooding along Bow River Road in Inglewood as a storm hits the northern part of the city on Sunday, June 12, 2022. Calgary and southern Alberta can expect heavy rains on Monday and Tuesday. Gavin Young / Postmedia Gavin Young / Postmedia
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The city of Calgary is preparing for flood mitigation efforts ahead of a rainstorm expected over the next few days, though it says no flooding is expected on the riverbanks.
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According to Environment Canada, southern Alberta will have a massive downpour over the next few days, equivalent to the amount normally seen throughout the month of June. On Sunday, Environment Canada issued a rain warning, stating that Calgary could see between 75 and 125 millimeters of rain between Sunday evening and Wednesday morning, and that localized totals of 150 mm or more are possible.
On average, Calgary sees about 94 mm of rain throughout the month of June, according to Environment Canada data from 1981 to 2010.
Large strips of southern Alberta along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains are expected to be extinguished, and the most affected area is expected to be Kananaskis.
“Showers will intensify overnight (Sunday) through the morning (Monday) in southern Alberta, including the foothills, Calgary, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, the entire southern part of the province, and then it will rain fairly well until Wednesday. “Environment said. Canadian meteorologist Sara Hoffman.
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“Since this is a long-running event, the certainty of when the rains will end is a bit low at the moment. Thursday looks like it will be when we get into a somewhat stabilizing pattern.”
The city of Calgary is monitoring the projected rainfall, saying the amount of rain has the potential to rapidly increase flows in the Bow and Elbow rivers, but is not expected to cause any flooding on the riverbank. The city has issued a navigation warning, suggesting residents stay out of the Elbow River. Calgary Fire Department water equipment will monitor the rivers while the warning is in effect.
The city lowered water levels at Glenmore Reservoir on June 12, 2022. Photo by Kevin Martin / Postmedia
In preparation for the flood, the city has lowered water levels in the Bow River reservoirs upstream and at Glenmore Reservoir to give way to the expected floodwaters. It has also closed roads in the lower areas and several rainwater emitters along the Elbow and Bow rivers. The city has materials stored and available for riparian protection and temporary barriers if needed.
“It’s an important event,” said Calgary Water Resources Director Francois Bouchart. “But the forecast is significantly lower than the 2013 floods, so we’re confident right now.”
Bouchart said the historic 2013 flood, which killed five people and caused an estimated $ 6 billion in damage, was caused by about 220mm of rain for three days, almost double what is expected this week. He said the city is better protected from flooding thanks to investments in infrastructure and several lessons learned from 2013.
“But of course the weather is unpredictable,” he added, noting that the forecast could change quickly.
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We are closely monitoring significant rainfall in the Kananaskis region forecast. With immediate effect, we are issuing a navigation warning for the Elbow River, due to higher expected flows and the current forecast. More information ⬇️ https://t.co/nZxIYIn2Ia
– City of Calgary (@cityofcalgary) June 12, 2022
The city suggests that Calgarians in the lowlands take steps to mitigate damage to their homes by moving important items and documents from their basements, inspecting their landfill pumps, and making sure wetlands drain at least 1.5 meters away. from their homes to a garden area.
A cyclist passes a sign describing a stormwater drainage improvement project in Sunnyside on Sunday, June 12, 2022. Calgary can expect rain to arrive from the west on Monday and Tuesday, prompting a possible warning. Environment Canada flood. Gavin Young / Postmedia. Gavin Young / Postmedia
The people of Calgar near the rivers should be aware of the high flows. The city suggests that riverside residents do the following:
- Be careful around riverbanks, as fast-moving water can cause riverbank erosion and destabilization.
- He warns his children about the dangers of fast water, especially residents who live near rivers.
- Cyclists and pedestrians should be on the lookout for low-lying areas where the river can flood the roads.
- Keep pets away from water quickly.
- Remove lawn furniture and other portable items from the riverbank.
Residents can register to receive emergency notifications about the situation at calgary.ca/flood-info.
mrodriguez@postmedia.com
Twitter: @michaelrdrguez