Southern Alberta Braces for Major Rainstorm on 2013 Flood Anniversary
Twelve years after historic flooding devastated parts of Calgary, a massive rainstorm is bearing down on southern Alberta, threatening to test the region’s modern flood infrastructure and emergency planning. With up to 200 mm of rain forecast in some areas this weekend, officials are on high alert—especially as the storm arrives on the anniversary of the 2013 disaster.
The weather system has already triggered a special weather statement from Environment Canada. Areas affected include a broad stretch from Jasper to Medicine Hat, including Calgary, Lethbridge, and the foothills of the Rockies.
Where and When the Storm Will Hit
Rain is expected to begin Friday afternoon and intensify into Saturday and Sunday, according to Christy Climenhaga of Environment and Climate Change Canada.
“We’re expecting a lot of rain in a relatively short period of time,” she said. While some towns like Pincher Creek and Waterton National Park may see close to 200 mm, Calgary and surrounding regions are forecast to receive between 50 and 100 mm.
Although the storm isn’t expected to rival the 300+ mm deluge seen in 2013, the volume and timing of the rainfall still raise concerns—particularly for urban drainage systems and river levels.
Cold Weather and Strong Winds Add to the Mix
Temperatures are set to drop dramatically across Alberta. In mountainous areas like Highwood Pass and Banff and Jasper National Parks, the rain could turn to wet snow, with up to 20 cm expected.
In Calgary, temperatures will hover around 4°C overnight, and northerly wind gusts could reach 80 km/h, possibly knocking over trees and causing further hazards.
2013 Flood Preparedness Measures Now in Action
Since the devastating floods of 2013, which caused over $6 billion in damage and displaced more than 100,000 Calgarians, the city and province have invested heavily in flood mitigation infrastructure.
According to Frank Frigo, manager of environmental management for the city of Calgary, “We’ve eliminated about 71% of our flood risk through these measures.”
Among the most significant upgrades are:
Crest gates at Glenmore Reservoir, which have doubled its water storage capacity.
The Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir (SR1), a massive $850 million project designed to store upstream floodwaters before they reach Calgary.
This weekend’s storm could be SR1’s first real-world test.
Scientists Cautiously Optimistic—but Monitoring Closely
Hydrologists like Tricia Stadnyk from the University of Calgary say the situation has improved from earlier forecasts, and the risk of catastrophic flooding has decreased.
“A few days ago, this storm looked a lot worse,” she said. “Now, thanks to the rain shifting to the eastern slopes, SR1 can help absorb the brunt of it.”
Still, she warns that intense, sudden downpours over a short time span could cause temporary flooding, especially on city streets and low-lying areas.
What the City Is Doing—and What Residents Should Know
The city has already started lowering Glenmore Reservoir levels to make space for runoff. Crews are also monitoring river forecasts every six hours to make timely water management decisions.
Frigo urged residents to prepare:
“Make sure downspouts are clear, ensure lot drainage is proper, and stay alert—especially if you’re outdoors or driving during the storm.”
While the city isn’t expecting disaster-level flooding, bank erosion, trail underpass flooding, and debris in rivers are all likely.
Silver Lining: Drought Relief for Farmers and Gardeners
Amid the threat of floods, there’s also hope—particularly for Alberta’s drought-stricken regions. The Oldman and Milk River basins have faced critical water shortages this year, and the rainfall could bring much-needed soil and river replenishment.
Horticulturist Kath Smyth from the Calgary Horticultural Society noted, “We’ve had such a dry, cold start to the year. This rain is exactly what we need to rebuild ground moisture.”
She added that gardeners should cover their plants, as low weekend temperatures could pose a risk to sensitive growth.
All Eyes on Alberta’s Weather and Water Systems
With several government agencies working around the clock, southern Alberta is better equipped than in 2013—but still vulnerable. How this storm unfolds over the next 48 hours could reveal just how effective the new flood defence systems truly are.
Stay tuned to Maple Wire for ongoing updates as Alberta’s weather systems evolve this weekend.
