Update: Monday, June 1 at 12 p.m.
(Cochrane, AB) - Recent rainfall has significantly increased flows on the Bow River, creating dangerous conditions along the river and its banks.
Currently, the Bow River has reached a flow of approximately 388 m³/second - well above the typical range of 150–250 m³/second for this time of year.
The Town of Cochrane has received reports of people getting too close to the water. Fast-moving water, unstable embankments, slippery shorelines and submerged debris continue to make the river unpredictable and hazardous. For your safety, please continue to use extreme caution:
- Stay away from flooded areas, pathways and riverbanks
- Keep children and pets well back from the water's edge
- Respect all pathway closures
- Avoid using watercraft on the Bow River at this time
- Call 911 if you see a water-related emergency. Do not enter the water or attempt a rescue.
The Town has also received questions about how current conditions compare to the 2013 flood. While the river is running high, flows remain well below those historic levels. During the 2013 flood, peak flows in the Calgary area reached approximately 1,840 m³/second, nearly five times higher than what we are seeing currently.
The Town will continue to monitor conditions and streamflow data from the Alberta River Forecast Centre and provide updates as needed.
For current river conditions and advisories, visit rivers.alberta.ca and cochrane.ca/flooding.
If conditions worsen, emergency updates will be shared through the Town of Cochrane app and Alberta Emergency Alerts.
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