A day after Glenmore Reservoir was shut down, the Calgary Fire Department is advising against all activity on the Bow and Elbow Rivers.

The fire department says that they made the decision because of the recent rainfall changing conditions on the water, making them dangerous and a safety risk for anyone who goes on the water.

They're also requesting that all residents stay clear of river banks as the fast moving water in the rivers may cause them to collapse.

An upward of 100 millimetres are expected for the city over the next few days and officials are preparing for the worst circumstances.

The city says in a release that rain will add significant amounts of water to the Bow and Elbow Rivers and increase the chance of flooding in some homes.

“We want Calgarians to know that with any potential hazard, preparedness is key, “ said Greg Solecki, Manager, Calgary Emergency Management Agency. “With the amount of predicted rainfall we advise Calgarians to take preventative measures around their home to reduce the risk of water damage.”

The Glenmore Reservoir has been shut down because of the coming forecast, to accommodate for extra water flow and to keep everyone safe.

The rainfall makes it impossible for rescue services to work, in both launching boats and searching underwater.

"One of the challenges is we can't get our boats out there and as soon as that run off starts coming in, it's bringing in the debris and silty water and all sorts of things," says Doug Bruneau, with the Glenmore Reservoir Services.

The debris from the river creates all sorts of hazards for people using the reservoir, and Bruneau says if they can't launch their boats to aid people in need of help, then it's safer to just ban all activity on the water.

The ban is also affecting a number of schools who use the area for classes on various activities, but Bruneau says they've already started to pursue methods of accomodating them.

"Normally, we would have schools - the Glenmore Sailing Club has a school, Glenmore Canoe Club has schools, and the Glenmore Rowers, I believe they have their schools coming in. What we've done is we'll have a dry day where we'll teach on land or reschedule those classes for when we reopen the reservoir."

Conditions at the Reservoir will continue to be monitored throughout the next few days.

City officials will let residents know when it’s safe to use again.

They are reminding homeowners to take the following precautions:

  • Check your sump pump, if you have one, to ensure it is working properly
  • Move important documents or items from lower levels or the basement of your home
  • Prevent sewage and stormwater backup by capping or installing a back-flow device on your basement floor drain
  • Clear your eaves troughs, downspout, and drainage gutters (swales) of leaves and other debris
  • Don't water your lawn - this will increase the saturation in the ground, making it difficult for rain water to be absorbed into the ground
  • Ensure your downspouts point away from your and your neighbour's foundations
  • Keep children away from storm drains
  • Do not attempt to drive through any areas that are covered in water
  • Report any plugged storm drains by calling 3-1-1
  • Stay off the Bow and Elbow Rivers, and avoid the banks of all rivers and creeks

"What we're doing is we're checking over our plans, making sure the message is going out to Calgarians and citizens so that they take care and have precautions set up around their home," says Solecki.

He says that lots of areas in the city will see some pooling and rivers will swell a bit, but they will have to see what the rain event brings. "We should expect some drainage issues around homes, but nothing major, as far as we can tell right about now."

For further information on thunderstorms and flooding in Calgary, visit the city's website.