After the Flood

The CMBA hopes that everyone affected by the flooding is safe and sound.  Cleanup will take a while, but if we work together we can make it happen.

At present, there are many closures in Kananaskis and Calgary that you should be aware of:

UPDATE:  Map of bridge and road damage throughout Kananaskis [link]

Calgary

Fish Creek Provincial Park is partially open.  Some day use areas have re-opened while cleanup continues, please obey all closure notices.  Be especially careful on trails close to the creek – many sections have been severely undercut and are unstable.  The site of the bike park is unaffected by flooding.

Bowmont Park is in decent shape, although any trail that was close to the river appears to be missing.  The trails higher up on the slope are your best bet.  If an area has been closed, please stay out.  UPDATE – Sideshow Bob is in poor shape with many sections of the trail washed away.

Nose Hill is okay, although the “lake” at the top is huge.  Trails around the periphery will be your best bet.  Note that the mosquito population has exploded, and they are very hungry.  And big.

Eastlands is in pretty good shape.  The trails are drying out quickly, and will continue to improve if the forecast sun appears.

12 Mile Coulee in the Tuscany community did receive a bit of a beating from the higher than normal flow of the creek.  It’s best to let the water levels drop a bit.

Kananaskis

Bragg Creek Flood Relief Info 

• update as of June 24

Highway 66 is missing the main bridge just east of Allen Bill.  [see photo above]  This means that vehicle access to Station Flats, Moose Mountain Rd, Powderface, Elbow Falls, etc. is not possible.  We’re not sure how long it will take to build a new public bridge, but it could be months.  Until then, access to the area will have to be via the Powderface Trail off of Hwy 68 [when it opens] or via West Bragg Creek.

West Bragg Creek   UPDATE – Forget about West Bragg for now, extremely restricted access.  Access via the bridge in the village may be restricted to emergency equipment and local residents, and the final stretch of the road to the parking lot is blocked off, so don’t be surprised if you get turned back.

Hwy 68 is closed for the time being.  Early reports are that some of the bridges by Jumpingpound Ridge and Cox Hill trails are washed out, which may make access to the Powderface Trail impossible.

Hwy 40 is closed for the time being.  Rumour has it that there There are bridges out along the highway.  Another rumour is that Baldy took a beating, as did Jewell Pass.

Hwy 1 is closed to everyone except for essential services at the Hwy 40 turnoff.  Our friends in Canmore and Banff report that damage to trails varies significantly depending on the area.  Highline and the Canmore Nordic Centre appear to be in good shape.

Hwy 1A is closed at Ghost Lake.

Where Can I Ride?

If you want to get some dirt under your tires, Eastlands and Nose Hill are your best bets in town.  West Bragg Creek is a possibility, but expect delays in the village.

As we hear more news, we’ll keep you updated.