Alberta Parks has released updated road access information and a wider list of closures in Kananaskis Country as ongoing rainfall, localized flooding and high stream flows continue to affect roads, trails, campgrounds and day-use areas.

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In an update posted Tuesday morning, Alberta Parks said Highway 40 is open in both directions from Highway 1 as far as Kananaskis Village.

 

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Visitors who are south of Eau Claire Campground are being advised to exit via Highway 40 southbound to Longview.

Visitors already in the area are being asked to remain where they are if it is safe to do so, while crews work to establish road access for those currently unable to leave.

William Watson Lodge and the Peter Lougheed Parks Discovery Centre are available as temporary shelters for anyone who needs a safe, dry place to stay.

Road closures remain in place

Several road closures remain in effect in Kananaskis Country.

According to Alberta Parks, Highway 40 is closed southbound at Mount Allan Drive.

There is also no public access northbound on Highway 40 from Highwood House to Kananaskis Lakes Trail.

Highway 742, also known as Smith-Dorrien Trail, is fully closed at Canmore Hill and at Chester Lake.

Powderface Trail is fully closed at Dawson Campground and Day Use Area.

Travellers are being told to check 511 Alberta for current road closures.

The update comes after Kananaskis Improvement District and Kananaskis Country issued a state of local emergency due to ongoing rainfall and localized flooding affecting road access and several recreation areas.

More than 170 millimetres of rain reported in parts of Kananaskis

Alberta Parks said sections of Kananaskis Country received more than 170 millimetres of rain over a 24-hour period from June 28 into June 29.

As a result, trail conditions throughout the region are wet, with standing water and possible flood damage.

Trail users are being told to use caution and prepare for variable conditions.

Equestrian and bicycle users are also being encouraged to stay off soft trails to prevent damage and trail threading.

Trail closures due to high water

A number of trails in Kananaskis Country are closed until further notice because of significant precipitation and high stream flows.

The closed trails include Lady Macdonald, Heart Creek, Stoney Trail, Troll Falls, Ribbon Creek, Galatea Creek, Buller Pass, Grotto Creek Canyon, Bill Milne, Elbow Loop, Powderface Creek, Prairie Link, Prairie Creek, Flowing Water Interpretive, Many Springs Interpretive, Beaver Flats Interpretive, Sheep Trail, Baldy Pass, Elbow Lake and Evan-Thomas Fire Road.

Alberta Parks said crews are investigating damage and making repairs where needed.

Trails will reopen as conditions allow.

Visitors are being told to obey all signage, watch for equipment and check Kananaskis trail reports for current conditions and updates.

Backcountry campgrounds closed

Several backcountry campgrounds in Kananaskis Country are closed until further notice because of significant precipitation and high stream flows.

Alberta Parks listed closures for the Big Elbow, Mount Romulus, Tombstone, Lillian Lake, Ribbon Falls, Ribbon Lake and Elbow Lake areas.

Some equestrian backcountry campgrounds are also included in the advisory.

Crews are investigating damage and undertaking repairs where needed.

The affected campgrounds will reopen as conditions allow.

Day-use areas closed

Several day-use areas in Kananaskis Country are also closed until further notice because of high water.

The closed day-use areas include Heart Creek, Grotto Mountain, Troll Falls Trailhead, Evan-Thomas Day Use Area, Ribbon Creek, Beaver Ponds, Allen Bill, Elbow Falls and Opal.

Alberta Parks said crews are investigating damage and undertaking repairs where needed.

The affected day-use areas will reopen as conditions allow.

Visitors are being told to obey all signage and watch for equipment in the area.

Three Sisters Campground closed

Three Sisters Campground in Bow Valley Provincial Park is also closed due to high stream flows.

Alberta Parks said impacted reservations will be automatically cancelled and refunded.

High water also closes Fish Creek boat launch

High water is also affecting Bow River access in Calgary, where the Fish Creek Provincial Park boat launch is closed until further notice.

Alberta Parks said the Bow River has exceeded safe recommended flow rates for boating, floating or swimming.

Those levels are expected to continue through Canada Day and potentially into the end of the week.

The City of Calgary is urging people to reschedule recreational activities on the Bow and Elbow rivers until the advisory is lifted.

The city is also warning people to talk to children about the dangers of fast-moving water, watch for low-lying pathways that could be submerged and keep pets away from fast-moving water.

Emergency teams continue response

Alberta Parks said emergency teams continue to coordinate response efforts, monitor infrastructure, support campground operations and maintain road closures where needed.

Alberta Parks said updates will be posted as they become available.

Travellers are being encouraged to postpone non-essential travel until conditions improve and to check 511 Alberta, Alberta Parks advisories and Kananaskis trail reports before heading out.

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