Flood season is upon us yet again (May 15 to July 15) and we are fast approaching the eighth anniversary of the Southern Alberta Floods.
To keep things simple during these uncertain times, we’re sharing links to flood related resources, current river conditions, and a flood readiness newsletter from the City below.
Source: City of Calgary
- Visit Calgary.ca/floodinfo for information.
- Explore the interactive Calgary’s river flooding story map.
- Explore the recently released draft provincial flood inundation maps.
- Sign up for the City’s weekly flood readiness e-newsletter and read past issues:
- Download Calgary’s Flood Readiness Guide (3.9MB)
- Monitor river conditions on Alberta Rivers or download the app.*
- Receive alerts via Alberta Emergency Alerts or download the app.
*If there is a current advisory in place for our watershed, it will be listed in the banner at the top of the webpage/app, and our watershed will be highlighted on the map. You can also check AEP’s weather and river flow forecasts by going to the menu at the top left (three horizontal lines) and selecting “Forecaster Comments”.
Conditions for May 26:
- Over past 24 hours, 3-6 mm of precipitation fell, and snowpack remains normal to above normal for this time of year.
- Flows on the Bow and Elbow Rivers are expected to stay steady or slightly increase, with possible showers and/or some snowmelt expected to occur in the next 24 hours, but no flooding is expected.
- Temporary closure of some pathways that may be flooded in low-lying areas.
- Bow River: Flows are currently 140 m³/s and have been in the 115-140 m³/s range in downtown Calgary over the past week.
- Elbow River: Flows are currently 35 m³/s upstream of Glenmore Reservoir and 31 m³/s downstream of Glenmore Reservoir.
- Both the Glenmore Reservoir on the Elbow River and the Ghost Reservoir on the Bow River have been lowered to their target levels for the start of this year’s flood season.
Learn more about river flow rates – what is normal, and when flooding begins, at the City’s River Flow Rates webpage.
Flood readiness campaign from City of Calgary
Each year during flood season, the City of Calgary undertakes a flood readiness campaign to share flood-related information and resources.
Similar to previous years, the campaign is focused on helping residents understand their flood risk, pointing them to resources that help them prepare and stay informed throughout the season.
You will see us sharing resources on our social channels and you can read a flood season newsletter the City has provided us below.
Click to find out the latest news on each of the following topics:
- Bow River – Bow River Reservoir Options
- Elbow River – Springbank Off Stream Reservoir
- Local mitigation
- Flood mapping and regulation
Stay safe and reach out to info@crcactiongroup.com if you have any questions!
Regards,
Your CRCAG Board
Flooding can happen quickly. Take simple steps to be ready.
By The City of Calgary
As we approach the time of year when Calgary is most likely to experience river flooding, we’re ready, but it’s important that you’re flood ready too.
On the Elbow River, the installation of higher gates on the crest of the Glenmore Dam completed last year has doubled the amount of storage in the reservoir so we can manage higher river flows in the spring (up to moderate level floods, similar to the flood in 2005). Along the Bow River, the TransAlta agreement to modify operations of the Ghost Reservoir during flood season has been renewed through 2026.
In preparation for this year’s flood season we’ve already lowered the reservoir, stockpiled riverbank protection and temporary barrier materials and trained staff to respond in case of an emergency.
While our staff are monitoring conditions 24/7 so that we can provide residents with the earliest possible warning if flooding arises, floods can still happen quickly, so it’s important to be prepared.
- Understand your risk. Check The City’s flood maps to find out if your home is at risk of river flooding.
- Be prepared. This includes taking precautions to prepare your family and your property.
- Move valuables and documents out of your basement.
- Review your emergency plan and safe accommodations in the event of an evacuation.
- Contact your insurance company to review coverage in the event you must evacuate.
- Check your downspouts, sump and backflow preventer valves as part of your regular home maintenance schedule.
- Stay informed. River conditions can change quickly. Go to calgary.ca/floodinfo to sign up to get alerts.
What’s the status of the Springbank Reservoir (SR1) project?
Earlier this spring, the Springbank Reservoir completed the last step for regulatory approvals, and we’re eagerly awaiting decisions from the provincial and federal regulatory review process, which should be made this summer.
For more tips and resources, visit calgary.ca/floodinfo, and subscribe to The City’s flood e-newsletter to get current river conditions and tips delivered every Friday to your inbox.