City prepares to shut down river valley trails due to flooding

The City of Edmonton has closed its boat launches on the North Saskatchewan River, and is warning people to beware of washed-out trails as the river was expected to peak Monday.

Precipitation on the eastern slopes of the Rockies has caused streams in the foothills to rise, and that waterwas expected to make its way downstream to the city by late in the day, city officials said Monday afternoon.

The river levels are forecast to reach about one metre above current levels, still well below the level that would cause flooding in low-lying residential areas, the city said.

However, some trails in the following areas may be under water as the river crests:

• Near Fort Edmonton Park.
• Between Emily Murphy and Kinsmen parks.
• In the Highlands area on the north side of the river between 75 Street and 50 Street.

The city's park ranger unit is monitoring the situation, and will close trails that are affected, the city said.

Park users are being asked to stay off trails that are shut down until the situation is safe.