River flooding in Calgary

Conditions for Friday, June 26: Forecast expected to bring high spring flow but no river flooding expected in Calgary

Flood dial image description

Normal spring flows with some pathways closures on the Bow and Elbow Rivers.

Current outlook

Current outlook

  • A widespread system is moving into Alberta over the weekend with the majority of rain falling on Sunday and early Monday in the Bow and Elbow Catchments.
  • River flows are currently within the normal range for this time of year but are expected to modestly increase early next week due to the forecasted rainfall.
  • The City is monitoring the weekend forecast closely, but at this time overbank river flooding is not expected.
  • The scale of this event is currently expected to be similar in size to the event in early June, potentially resulting in wet low-lying areas near the river, some pathway closures at underpasses near the river, and possibly a boating advisory. 

How we’re responding

How we’re 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

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.

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

Stay informed

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

A note about online AI-generated flood forecasts:
The City and Provincial River Forecast Centre are aware of various AI generated flooding reports, such as Google Flood Hub. Please note that forecasts from official local sources, such as The City and the AB River Forecast Centre, account for weather model uncertainty, reservoir operations, and advisory levels, and take into account knowledge of on-the-ground flood thresholds that include community flood protection measures. The City, River Forecast Centre and Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologists are in close contact, and local emergency managers will issue the appropriate advisories as required.

Next update: Monday, June 29, 2026

Conditions are updated regularly during river flood season (mid-May to mid-July).

High river flow season is May 15 - July 15

Stay updated

Sign up for the Calgary's Rivers newsletter for the latest news about Calgary’s watershed, river conditions, tips and resources during high river flow season.

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Stay updated

Sign up for the Calgary's Rivers newsletter for the latest news about Calgary’s watershed, river conditions, tips and resources during high river flow season.

Subscribe here

Flood resources

We can’t prevent flooding entirely, and it can happen quickly with little or no warning. Protecting our community and citizens from flooding is a shared responsibility – we all have a role to play.

  • View flood maps

    Know your flood risk. Search for your property on our flood mapping tool to see if you are at risk for flooding.

  • Prepare for flooding

    Take steps to reduce flood damage to your home and ensure your family knows what to do if a flood happens. Find preparation resources on this page, including guides in Traditional and Simplified Chinese.

  • Stay informed

    Sign up for e-mail alerts and find a list of flood notification resources, including City of Calgary emergency notices.

Did you know?

Flooding can occur even during dry conditions.

Although Calgary has a dry climate, flooding is always possible. With our proximity to the mountains, we can experience unpredictable swings in the weather, from heavy rains leading to floods, to many weeks of dry temperatures and little rain leading to droughts.

Learn more about how we monitor and respond to the conditions and how you can help:

Flood mitigation projects

Calgary is better prepared today for flood events like the one in 2013. We’ve taken steps to reduce Calgary’s exposure to flood damage that have reduced our flood risk by 70 per cent as of 2026.

Sunnyside Flood Barrier

The communities of Sunnyside, Kensington and Hillhurst are now protected from a 1-in-100 flood, due to the functional completion of the Memorial Parkway / Sunnyside Flood Barrier. The 2.4 km barrier includes a combination of permanent concrete and metal flood walls, with additional temporary barriers to close gaps across roadways and pathways during flood response.    

Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir

Calgary’s Elbow River communities are now protected from 2013-sized floods, thanks to the new Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir (SR1) located along the Elbow River, upstream of Calgary. The ‘dry' reservoir will only be filled during floods, and will work together with the Glenmore Reservoir to significantly increase the overall floodwater storage capacity on the Elbow River.

West Eau Claire Flood Barrier

Heritage Drive Flood Barrier