A significant rainfall event across the Bow and Elbow River watersheds has caused rivers and creeks to rise rapidly. Rainfall in the upper watersheds exceeded earlier forecasts, with the City reporting average totals of 80 to 100 millimetres across the catchments over the previous 24 hours and localized amounts of up to 130 millimetres. Approximately 40 millimetres fell within Calgary. (https://www.calgary.ca/water/flooding.html)
Calgary is not currently facing a community-scale river flooding threat. As of the City’s 10:30 a.m. update on Monday, June 29, significant overbank river flooding was not expected in Calgary, and temporary flood barriers or evacuations were not anticipated.
Conditions are more serious upstream and west of the city. A Flood Warning is in effect for the Elbow River upstream of Calgary near Bragg Creek, and flooding has affected parts of Kananaskis. Residents upstream of Bragg Creek have been warned that access roads and driveways could be cut off, while water may be present on rural roads. Evacuation alerts have also been issued in parts of Canmore due to unstable creeks and shifting banks. (Rocky View County)
SR1 put into operation for the first time
At approximately 6 a.m. on Monday morning, the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir—SR1—began diverting water for the first time since becoming operational.
SR1 is capturing higher-than-expected runoff from the Upper Elbow watershed and temporarily storing it before it reaches the Glenmore Reservoir and Calgary. It is operating alongside the Glenmore Reservoir to reduce peak flows and provide additional flood-management capacity on the Elbow River. (https://www.calgary.ca/water/flooding.html)
This is an enormously significant moment for CRCAG and Calgary’s river communities.
SR1 was declared operational in May 2025. Just over one year later, it is being called upon to perform the exact function for which it was designed: holding back floodwaters upstream and helping protect Calgary and other downstream communities. (ReNew Canada)
For more than a decade, CRCAG members and community partners advocated for meaningful upstream flood mitigation on the Elbow River. This first operational use provides powerful real-world validation of the project, the investment made in it and the years of determined advocacy that helped move it forward.
While this milestone deserves recognition, we are also mindful that upstream communities are dealing with serious conditions and possible disruptions. We encourage everyone in affected areas to follow directions from local authorities and monitor official updates closely.
Conditions within Calgary
Although widespread river flooding is not expected in Calgary, residents should remain cautious. Anticipated local impacts include:
- Flooding in some low-lying parks and pathway areas
- Additional pathway and underpass closures
- Possible localized basement seepage near the Bow River
- Unstable or eroding riverbanks
- Fast-moving water and increased debris in both rivers
High Streamflow and Boating Advisories are in effect for the Bow and Elbow rivers. Residents should stay off the rivers, keep children and pets away from the water and remain well back from river and creek banks. River levels are expected to remain elevated through Canada Day. (https://www.calgary.ca/water/flooding.html)
Initial update from the City of Calgary
The following informal update was provided to CRCAG by Frank Frigo of the City of Calgary today at 1pm, June 29. It is reproduced verbatim.
Hi all, quick update:
- over 100 mm rain fell Jun 28/29 in Bow and Elbow front ranges with up to 140 mm recoded at some gauges
- River flows have risen more rapidly and severely than forecasted
- At this time significant overbank river flooding in Calgary is not expected.
- Springbank (SR1) was activated to manage flows on the Elbow River and downstream of the confluence of the Bow and is actively diverting at present, in conjunction with Glenmore dam operations and level management plan. This should allow Elbow River flows considerably less than 100 cms (likely below ~75 cms) for the remainder of the event
- GoA and Transalta have developed water level plans for Ghost Dam and other hydro facilities on the Bow, targeting flows below ~550 cms from Bearspaw dam. A high streamflow advisory is in place for most of the coming week on the Bow River.
- this event, similar to the event in early June, will wet very localized low-lying areas near the river, cause some pathway closures at underpasses near the river, and boating advisory, as well as groundwater seepage advisories for lowest lying areas but is unlikely to drive significant overland flooding or more appreciable flood response activity.
- The ~550 cms Bow at Bearspaw target is well below the ~1100 cms trigger for Montgomery barrier reinstatement
- Crews will be out checking stormwater outfalls, potential erosion or debris accumulation locations, as well as making measurements of water levels and velocities.
I hope this update is helpful. Thanks again for your connections to others in our river valleys communities.
Regards,
Frank Frigo, P.Eng,
Mgr, Environment Management
Conditions remain fluid. Members can follow the City of Calgary’s river conditions page and Rocky View County’s emergency updates for the latest information. (Rocky View County)
Media coverage and links
June 28–30 rainfall and river conditions
- CityNews: “Environment Canada warns Calgary to expect 100 mm of rainfall” — June 28, updated June 29. (CityNews Calgary)
- Daily Hive: “Up to 100 mm of rain forecast to fall in parts of Alberta” — June 28. (Daily Hive)
- LiveWire Calgary: “Flood warning issued for Elbow River west of Calgary” — June 28, subsequently updated as the Flood Watch was upgraded. (LiveWire Calgary)
First operational use of SR1 and upstream impacts
- CityNews: “Flood warnings, state of emergency west of Calgary as residents urged to stay off rivers” — June 29. This report explicitly covers SR1’s first activation, the Bragg Creek Flood Warning and upstream impacts. (CityNews Calgary)
- Airdrie City View: “Elbow River advisory upgraded to flood warning for Bragg Creek area” — June 29. The story covers SR1 operations and the effort to reduce downstream flood risk. (Airdrie City View)
Official situation updates
- City of Calgary: River flooding and current conditions — includes rainfall totals, river forecasts and confirmation of SR1’s first operational use. (https://www.calgary.ca/water/flooding.html)
- Rocky View County: Flood Warning for the Bragg Creek area and SR1 operations — includes road closures and precautions for upstream residents. (Rocky View County)
CRCAG will continue to monitor conditions and will share another update if there are significant developments or the situation changes. If you’d like to get in touch with us, you can reach us at info@crcactiongroup.com.
Regards,
Your CRCAG Board