Due to the combination of high snowpack, warm temperatures and forecasted rain, many rivers and streams in Kootenay National Park (KNP) are flowing at higher-than-normal levels.

These conditions are expected to continue over the weekend and into Monday.

Some low-lying areas are experiencing nuisance flooding and visitors may encounter temporary closures of trails and day use areas in impacted areas, this includes a closure of the Dog Lake Bridge.

If you’re visiting the park, here’s some safety tips to keep in mind when you’re around flowing water:

• Stay well back the edge of rivers and streams: fast-moving water can erode shorelines and pathways without warning, causing them to collapse. Closely supervise children when near water.
• Conditions can change quickly: creek crossings that may have been passable earlier in the day can become dangerous as melting increases or with rainfall.
• Heat and rain increase avalanche risk: Large amounts of snow are still present at higher elevation areas. The heat and rain we are experiencing increases avalanche hazard. Hikes like the Beehive, Plain of the Six Glaciers and Lake Agnes trails are exposed to avalanche risk and should be avoided.

Find information on streamflow advisories and flood warnings.

Information on trail conditions.

Information on area closures.

Kootenay National Park

Article Share