City places boating advisory on Elbow River

While the weather may be getting better by the day, you may want to think twice before heading out for a day on the river.

According to a release from the City of Calgary, Calgarians are being advised against boating, or any other use of watercraft, on the Elbow River until May 2.

The boating advisory was sent out on Wednesday, April 29, and states that the river is running higher than usual due to spring runoff and that the advisory is in place from April 29 to May 1.

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This is a controlled flow increase, as the Glenmore Reservoir is gradually releasing water to manage that runoff.

“The expected flow rates will exceed our threshold for a boating advisory,” said Carole Henke, Public Information Officer with the Calgary Fire Department, in the release.

“Although the increase in water flow is temporary, out of an abundance of caution, we are issuing a boating advisory.”

The City has also issued the following recommendations on keeping safe around the rivers when they’re running high:

• Exercise caution around river banks as the fast-moving water can cause erosion and destabilization of river banks.
• Warn their children about the dangers of fast-moving water, particularly those residents who live near the rivers.
• Keep pets away from fast moving water.
• Remove lawn furniture and other portable items off the river bank.

Calgarians can check out the City of Calgary’s website to learn more about river safety, and they can monitor the flow levels of the two rivers (and others) at the Alberta Environment and Parks website.