Boating advisory issued for Bow River: CFD
Marni Cain captured the Bow River on June 9, 2025. A boating advisory was issued for the river Sunday following heavy rain Saturday.
Following a heavy Saturday rainfall, the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) issued a boating advisory for the Bow River on Sunday.
At 10:21 a.m. the CFD issued the advisory, saying that the Bow has 'exceeded recommended safe flow rates for boating or swimming.'
'Effective immediately,' it added, 'the Calgary Fire Department advises against boating and all other water activities on the Bow River during this time.'
The advisory came almost 12 years to the day that Calgary experienced the flood of 2013, when water poured over the banks of the Bow and the Elbow, but the city said in its release that that's not likely in 2025.
'Flooding over riverbanks is not expected,' the city said. 'However high flow rates may continue, making conditions on and near the river dangerous.
'Pathways near the river may continue to be affected,' the release added.
The fire department said flow rates exceeded 280 cubic metres per second above the Elbow River confluence, along with turbidity and debris.
'We know that Calgarians love their rivers,' said CFD deputy fire chief Pete Steenaerts, in a release, 'yet we also know that when our waterways flow this high and fast, there's significant risk to anyone, regardless of your watercraft or skill level.'
If you're near the river Sunday, you're advised to exercise caution around riverbanks, as fast-moving water can cause erosion and destabilization.
Also:
Warn children about the hazards of fast-moving water;
Cyclists and pedestrians should watch for low-lying areas where the river can submerge pathways; and
Keep pets away from fast-moving water.
Saturday's forecast was for up to 80 millimetres of rain in the city.
For more information, go here.
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