Alberta Parks has declared a state of local emergency for Kananaskis Country as persistent heavy rain since Sunday continues to drench the vast recreation area west of Calgary. The Town of Canmore has also declared a local emergency and issued evacuation alerts for several neighbourhoods, as the region faces flooding, mudslides, and road closures.
Highway 40 Closed Due to Mudslide
The heavy rains, expected to reach 100 mm across Southern Alberta this week, triggered a mudslide that closed a section of Highway 40 between the Kananaskis Golf Course and Highway 940, according to the province. 511 Alberta also reports bridge washouts in the area.
“Due to ongoing heavy rainfall and localized flooding, a State of Local Emergency has been declared in Kananaskis Country,” states the Explore Kananaskis Facebook page. Officials urge people to avoid non-essential travel to the area until further notice, as flooding, road closures, and limited access are impacting travel throughout the region.
Evacuations and Shelter in Kananaskis
“If you are already in Kananaskis, remain where you are if it is safe to do so and follow instructions from emergency personnel,” the post adds. “Please also use extreme caution around rivers, creeks, and other water bodies, as water levels remain elevated.”
Emergency teams are coordinating response through the activated Kananaskis Region Emergency Co-ordination Centre, supporting campground evacuations, monitoring infrastructure, and maintaining road closures. William Watson Lodge is available as a temporary shelter for those needing a safe, dry place. “Access remains limited in parts of Kananaskis Country and some individuals may be currently unable to leave due to road conditions,” the post states.
Canmore Evacuation Alerts and Road Closures
The Town of Canmore has declared a state of local emergency and evacuation alerts for the Palliser area (Blakiston, Peak Estates, Hector, 100 Palliser Lane), the Alpine Club, the Bow Valley Riders Association, Stone Creek Road (140, 149, and 150), and Eagle Landing.
“Conditions are rapidly changing, and flowing water and debris pose a serious threat to human safety and infrastructure,” the town states on its website. “Stay away from all creeks. Embankments and pathways are unsafe . . . and conditions are unpredictable.”
Road closures in Canmore include Palliser Trail from Palliser Lane to the 1A Interchange (Palliser Trail and Harvie Heights Road) and Bow Valley Trail from Alpine Helicopters to Exit 91 (TransCanada Hwy).
In a 6 a.m. update, the town said Canmore has passed the worst of the rainfall, though evacuation alerts remain and crews are monitoring waterflow in steep creeks, culverts, and roadways. Significant erosion has occurred in some areas, making embankments unstable and unsafe. “We want to be clear: STAY AWAY FROM COUGAR CREEK AND ALL OTHER STEEP CREEKS until the areas have been cleared for safety,” the town warns.
