Resolved: Bow & Elbow River Update - Provincial Flood Watch & High Streamflow Advisory

Jul 13
5 min read

Update: Monday, July 13, 2026

The river flood risk has now been removed. While both rivers remain higher than normal due to the heavy rainfall, the High Streamflow and Boating Advisories have officially been lifted.

Flows on both the Bow and Elbow rivers are back within the high end of normal ranges. The Springbank Reservoir is nearly empty again as it finishes releasing water back into the Elbow River under the supervision of City water quality monitoring teams. No adverse water quality issues have been flagged so far, and there is no concern for the Glenmore Reservoir water supply. Water supply remains strong, with demand normal for this time of year.

Thank you for your patience, cooperation, and care during this more recent river watch. For more info, please visit calgary.ca/watersafety or calgary.ca/flood

Updated: Tuesday, July 7: Calgary Fire Department Lifts River Safety Advisory

The Calgary Fire Department has lifted the river safety advisory for the Bow and Elbow Rivers, effective immediately, as flow rates have dropped below advisory levels. Some reduced visibility, debris, and cold water temperatures may persist, but conditions are expected to keep improving toward typical summer levels.

While normal river activities can resume, CFD urges continued caution as conditions can change quickly, especially during sudden thunderstorms. The Aquatic Rescue Team will keep monitoring and patrolling the waterways.

Safety reminders:

Stay within arm's reach of young children in the water
Use the right watercraft and carry a boat safety kit
Don't tie watercrafts together or wear ankle leashes
Wear a properly fitted lifejacket at all times

For more info, please visit calgary.ca/watersafety or calgary.ca/flood

Tuesday, June 30: Rivers high, but no river flooding expected in Calgary

Current Outlook:

Flows on the Bow and Elbow rivers peaked Tuesday morning and will remain high for a few days.
Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir continues to divert water Tuesday, providing additional mitigation and operational flexibility along the Elbow River. Glenmore Reservoir has been storing additional water from the Elbow River.
Ghost Reservoir is storing flow from the Bow and Ghost Rivers.

The following advisories are in place:

Flood Warning on the Elbow River upstream of Calgary, in accordance with the operation of the Springbank Reservoir.
High Streamflow Advisories on the Bow and Elbow Rivers through Calgary.
Boating Advisory on the Bow and Elbow Rivers.

Anticipated impacts include:

Flooding in low-lying and park areas near rivers and creeks.
Pathway closures near rivers and creeks.
Potential for localized basement seepage in low-lying areas along the Bow River.
Potential for bank erosion and instability – stay safely away from river and creek banks.
Significant overland river flooding in communities is not expected in Calgary, and additional flood response measures such as flood barriers (including reinstatement of the Montgomery barrier) or evacuations are not anticipated.

Forecast:

Rain is expected to continue, with thunderstorms expected this afternoon and tomorrow.
Flows on the Bow and Elbow Rivers will remain high, having peaked Tuesday morning.
River flows are expected to remain elevated through Canada Day (tomorrow).

Sunday, June 28: Rain expected to bring high spring flow but no river flooding expected in Calgary.

A Provincial Flood Watch is now in effect for the Elbow River upstream of Calgary, and High Streamflow Advisories are in effect for both the Bow and Elbow Rivers within the city. The good news is that we are not expecting overbank river flooding in Calgary.

Current Outlook:

A widespread weather system is currently positioned over Alberta, bringing rain to our region Sunday afternoon through Tuesday.
The weather system is bringing more intense rain in the eastern mountain ranges and foothills west of Calgary, with less rain expected within Calgary.
River flows are expected to modestly increase throughout Sunday and Monday due to the forecasted rainfall. River levels may stay elevated for a few days.
River flows will be managed by reservoirs on the Bow and Elbow Rivers.
Impacts within Calgary are anticipated to be limited to:
- Wet low-lying areas near the rivers and creeks,
- Pathway closures at underpasses near rivers and creeks
- Boating Advisory on Bow and Elbow Rivers as early as Monday
- Provincial High Streamflow Advisory on Bow and Elbow Rivers in Calgary.
- Note: A “Flood Watch” has been issued on the Elbow River upstream of Calgary; this is primarily to address potential flood impacts in low-lying areas. No river flooding is expected in Calgary communities, including Discovery Ridge.
·The City is monitoring the weekend forecast closely, but at this time overbank river flooding is not expected.

How the City is Responding:

We’re continuing to monitor rainfall and river conditions 24/7.
We are communicating regularly with Environment and Climate Change Canada, Alberta River Forecast Centre, and TransAlta to share the best available information.
City stormwater crews are monitoring and responding to drainage concerns.
Reservoir levels are positioned to be able to store high river flow as needed.
Crews, equipment and materials are ready in case conditions change and we need additional response.
In preparation for flood season each year, The City completes exercises and testing of infrastructure like river outfalls, lift stations and temporary barrier deployments.
We are prepared to communicate as needed through the event, should conditions change and additional actions be required.

What You Can Do:

Stay safe near rivers: When the rivers and creeks rise in Calgary, stay away from the banks, including children and pets, as high flows can cause bank erosion and instability. Before going out on the river (rafting, fishing, kayaking), check calgary.ca/watersafety. If there is a boating advisory, stay off the river for your safety.
Direct rainwater away from your home: Eavestroughs and extensions should drain at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) away from your and your neighbour's home and onto a landscaped area so the water can soak into the ground.
Ensure your basement is flood resilient: When river levels are high, and/or when it rains heavily, water can enter basements. Check your sump pump and backflow valve if you have them, to make sure they are in good working order. Consider moving valuable or sentimental items to higher levels. Consider installing a water alarm to for an early alert about any water entering your basement. Check your insurance policy to see if you’re covered for groundwater basement flooding.
Help us keep an eye on storm drains: During intense rainfalls, storm drains can be temporarily overwhelmed and it may take some time for water to drain. In some areas of the city, we’ve installed a device in the storm drains to manage how fast water flows into the pipes from the storm drain that helps prevent the system from becoming overwhelmed with stormwater, avoiding water backups into basements or flooding into houses, garages and businesses.
Contact 311: If you see water pooling around storm drains and it hasn’t drained within 90 mins, take a photo and submit it via the 311 app or online request. This will help City crews respond on a priority basis. If safety is a concern or water is entering a building, contact 311 immediately.

Stay Informed:

Weather and river conditions in Calgary can change quickly and without notice.

Sign up for alerts.
For real-time updates and advisories, see Alberta’s current river flow.
Watch the media and The City’s social media for updates if conditions warrant it.
We will continue to share further updates on this post as they become available.