Heavy rain arrives in Calgary, with plenty still to come Monday and Tuesday: City experts

Heavy rains have arrived in Calgary, concerning some residents including Ilona Fibch from Parkdale who says water levels were already high before the rain started.

The heavy rain has started to come down in Calgary, which the city says residents can expect to continue on and off for the next few days but experts say there shouldn’t be any overland flooding.

Along the Bow River, measures were in place Sunday to protect homes in the northwest Calgary community of Montgomery.

Despite optimism from the experts, who say water levels don’t compare to the flood year of 2013, one Parkdale resident was concerned.

“The level was already quite high enough,” said Ilona Fibch. “A lot of rain is coming -- so yeah, I’m a little bit worried.”

According to the city, Calgary will only experience high stream flows. Experts are not forecasting overland flooding.

As water levels rise, the city is letting water out of the Glenmore reservoir to prepare.

On Friday, the city said it anticipates the highest amounts of precipitation will fall on Monday and Tuesday.

“After Tuesday, we do still see relatively cool temperatures and additional potential moisture coming in the atmosphere to our area, so it’s possible we’ll see additional precipitation,” said Frank Frigo from the City of Calgary.

The city warned that the fast-moving river can create erosion along the river banks.

Some pathways are closed, particularly at bridge underpasses, where water can pool.

“We’re advising additional caution to anyone who might be walking a dog by the river, or recreating by the river, riding a bike by a pathway, should exercise additional caution,” Frigo said.

A high river flow advisory is in place, meaning boating is not allowed on the Bow and Elbow.

The province has said it is not expecting flooding levels to what the city experienced in 2013, but is ready to help if needed.

With files from CTV’s Tyler Barrow