A long-lasting rainfall event is soaking Banff and Banff National Park through Tuesday, with Environment Canada warning of 40 to 60 mm of total rain and up to 20 cm of snow at higher elevations.
The Special Weather Statement issued Monday morning says rain will continue before tapering off Tuesday evening. In the mountains above 2,000 metres, 10 to 20 cm of snow is possible, potentially affecting high-elevation routes like the Icefields Parkway.
The heavy rain and melting snowpack are causing water levels to rise quickly. The Alberta River Forecast Centre has issued a high streamflow advisory for the Bow River from upstream of Banff down to the Ghost Reservoir, along with a flood watch for areas near Lake Louise. On Friday, the Bow River at Banff was already flowing at 300 cubic metres per second, more than double its normal rate for this time of year.
The Town of Banff is setting up temporary flood barriers and urging everyone to stay off riverbanks and away from flooded zones. Low-lying pathways beside the Bow River are already flooding. Motorists should check Alberta 511 for road updates, especially for mountain highways where snow could make driving difficult.
The weather is expected to clear by Wednesday, June 3, with a mix of sun and cloud and a high of 19°C.
