With temperatures rising, spring river levels are starting to rise. In the mountains, snow typically accumulates throughout May and it’s only just starting to melt at some stations.

The risk of a river flood occurring in Calgary is normal this year. Although we saw above average snowfall in our mountains this winter, this does not necessarily translate into higher flood risk. In Calgary, the driver for river flooding is heavy rainfall in the mountains and foothills. Melting snowpack typically accounts for less than 20 per cent of river flow during flooding events.

To watch for large rain events that drive river flooding, The City increases year-round monitoring of weather and river conditions to 24/7 from May through July. The City works closely with the provincial River Forecast Centre, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and TransAlta to monitor weather and river conditions and forecast potential river flood events.

This year, Calgary is more resilient to river flooding than ever, thanks to flood mitigation infrastructure recently completed, such as the Springbank Reservoir (2025) and the Sunnyside Flood Barrier (2026). However, large river floods that can damage can still occur and this likelihood is rising over time as our climate changes. To help mitigate flood risk and also optimize water supply later into the summer, reservoir storage at Glenmore Reservoir on the Elbow River and in TransAlta's hydropower reservoirs on the Bow River, such as the Ghost Reservoir, are being actively managed. The City collaborates weekly with the Province, TransAlta and other regional water managers on the Bow River to coordinate flood mitigation, water supply and environmental outcomes and to share information.

Every year, The City updates flood response plans and prepares for potential response actions.  In addition to monitoring and working with regional water managers, our teams have:

• Updated response plans.
• Stockpiled materials for riverbank protection and temporary barriers.
• Completed annual testing and preparation of our stormwater infrastructure.
• Completed training exercises to ensure we are ready to quickly respond to an emergency.

To stay in the loop, sign up for our Calgary’s Rivers newsletter (subscribe below) for regular updates on river conditions and related projects throughout flood season.

• No impacts at this time.
• We’re continuing to monitor river conditions.
• In preparation for flood season each year, The City completes exercises and testing of infrastructure like river outfalls, lift stations and temporary barrier deployments.

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.

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.

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.

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.