Environment Canada is forecasting Calgary will experience warm temperatures over the next week, bringing increased melting and evolving road conditions including water pooling. The City is taking steps to be ready and is asking Calgarians for their help.
While we have not seen an increase in storm drain related reports to 311, we are expecting that number to rise as snow melts during the day and freezes overnight, causing a build-up of ice on storm drains and the risk of pooling water.
City crews continue to inspect and clean storm drains focussing on areas which experience pooling around storm drains, have low sun exposure where ice on storm drains may be slow to melt and where we have seen an increased volume of calls to 311. Our crews will respond on a priority basis, attending first to problems impacting public safety and where excess water may cause property damage.
City crews are working over the weekend with contractors on stand-by to provide additional support if needed.
How Calgarians can help
There are nearly 60,000 storm drains across Calgary, so we’re asking Calgarians to do their part to help the water flow down storm drains near their property, and to let us know if there are trouble areas so our crews can respond.
- Clear storm drains around your property
When it’s safe and possible to do, clear storm drains around your property of ice, snow and debris, like leaves and sticks, and help create a channel for melting snow and rain to make its way into the storm sewer. Check out our interactive map on calgary.ca/StormDrains to find out storm drain locations.
- Contact 311 if water is pooling
If the storm drain is covered with a thick layer of ice, or if water is pooling on your street and hasn’t drained after 90 to 120 minutes, take a photo and submit a Storm Drain/Catch Basin Concern through the 311 web or mobile app.
The 311 web or mobile app is the fastest way for citizens to report their request. Also, attaching a photo to the 311 request goes a long way in helping our crews respond on a priority basis.
Protecting your home
There are also ways you can help protect your home from snow melt:
- Clear debris and ice from eavestroughs and downspouts.
- Ensure water draining from downspouts does so at least two metres from sidewalks, pathways and building foundations. Direct the flow towards the street, lane or swale, and not towards your neighbour’s property.
- Keep any grassed or concrete swales on your property free from debris and ice.
Driving with care
Drivers are reminded that slushy road conditions require the same attention as winter driving.
- Accumulated water can mask hazards in the road such as potholes or debris; drive slowly to avoid potential damage to your vehicle.
- Drive slowly to avoid creating spray that could cause injury or impede vision of pedestrians, cyclists or other vehicles.
For other tips on protecting your property from snow melt visit calgary.ca/StormDrains.
