General update on river flow rates

A high streamflow advisory remains in effect from Alberta Environment and

Sustainable Resource Development (AESRD) for the Bow River basin, including the Elbow River and Fish Creek.

A high streamflow advisory means stream levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly. No major flooding is expected but there may be minor flooding in low-lying areas.

The rainfall warning issued by Environment Canada for Kananaskis, Canmore and the Ghost Lake area remains in effect. Environment Canada has issued rainfalls warnings for areas east and south of Calgary, including High River, Okotoks, Pincher Creek and Lethbridge areas.

Calgary is expecting light rain with 5 – 10 mm today and tomorrow.

Water Services started lower the water level in the reservoir yesterday to make room for the incoming flow. This morning’s streamflow for the Elbow River was 33 cubic metres per second (cms) above the Reservoir and 40 cms below the Glenmore Dam. The Bow River flow in Calgary above the Elbow River confluence was 250 cms.

The seasonal norm for the Elbow River is 30 cms above the Glenmore Reservoir and 30 – 90 cms below. During last year’s flood, the Elbow River above the reservoir peaked at 1,200 cms and at 700 cms below the reservoir. The seasonal norm for the Bow River is 70 – 400 cms.

As a result of normal and precautionary lowering of the Glenmore Reservoir, a ban is in effect on recreational activity on the reservoir.

A boating advisory remains in effect for the Bow and Elbow Rivers, based on streamflows and debris.

Information on pathway closures is available online.

For more information on advisories, river monitoring activities and flood recovery and preparation, calgary.ca/floodinfo.