"We use data provided by experts but we know the river, and the Town calls the shots to determine when action is required to protect our residents."

-Craig Snodgrass, Mayor of High River

Local monitoring and observations are based on historical events, science and experience

• Spring thaw, Spring rains and snowmelt are predictable cycles of nature.
• History demonstrates that when these events combine, the effect on the Town is not predicable.
• The Town conducts an annual Hazard Risk Vulnerability Assessment to determine conditions each Spring.
• In 2022, the Town will reach a milestone with the completion of Flood Mitigation infrastructure to protect our community, making High River one of the most flood protected communities in Canada.
• River monitoring, weather patterns and scientific data from the Province provides the intelligence required for timely and informed decision making.
• High River is recognized as a World class leader in flood planning and response.
• Town staff monitor and interpret data provided to us in real time by the province. Trigger points are established indicating when control measures must be activated to protect our community.
• The Town uses this information to ensure the safety of the community and its residents.

For more information, view the Living on the the Highwood River document.

There are many factors, both natural and human-induced, that cause rivers to continuously change. The definitions used on High River’s River Monitoring signs are standard terminology used by hydrologists who study and measure stream flow.

• Each year the Town places LED signs in high-traffic areas informing residents of the hazards during peak hazard season.
• The intent of these signs is to raise awareness of the potential for risk.

The Town will inform residents if action is required based on the risk. Refer to Town information on the website and social media and listen for alerts.

The Town uses the provincial standard to monitor the river:

• Normal
• High Stream Flow Advisory
• Flood Watch
• Flood Warning

Action is not required until the Flood Watch stage, but it is always good to be prepared for an emergency.

To help with understanding flow rates being reported, please note that the river flow during the 2013 flood reached 1820 cubic meters / second.

Normal Flow Stage

Flow is measured by noting the amount of water passing by monitoring stations. This data is available in real time for the key stations monitored by Town staff on rivers.alberta.ca.

High Stream Flow Advisory Stage

Stream levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly, and no major flooding is expected. Minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Anyone situated close to the streams affected is advised to be cautious of the rising levels.

It is always important to be prepared in case the stream flow advisory becomes a Flood Watch. Water volume and flow is ever-changing, and the advisory may be cancelled when flows return to normal. If volume and flow return to normal, this stage will be followed with normal stage, or the advisory will be lifted.

Flood Watch Stage

Stream levels are rising and will approach or may overflow the riverbanks. Flooding of areas adjacent to these streams may occur. Anyone situated close to the river is advised to take appropriate precautionary measures.

Flood Warning Stage

Rising stream levels will result in flooding of areas adjacent to the streams affected. Anyone situated close to the river should take appropriate measures to avoid flood damage and injury.

Pay attention to Town information on the website and social media and listen for advice on actions required to protect yourself, family, pets and your home.

Alberta Environment and Parks has many river monitoring stations on their Rivers Alberta website. The Town focuses on those set up for the Highwood River Basin.

The stations monitored by the Town of High River are chosen because they provide the most relevant and timely data regarding the volume and flow as the river approaches the Town.

Data available includes daily real time information about:

• Snowpack and snowmelt information predicted by teams of experts who set stations up in the mountains at the river’s source
• Stream flow and volume as it passes by these stations

Staff also monitor temperatures and precipitation to anticipate potential impacts on the stream volume and flow. This monitoring data is available publicly and is shared with residents. High River staff monitor the river until the end of June.

Key Monitoring Stations: Highwood River

• Stimpson Creek near Pekisko
• Highwood River at Diebel’s Ranch
• Trap Creek near Longview
• Pekisko Creek new Longview
• Highwood Diversion Canal near the Headgates
• High River Below Little Bow Canal

Monitoring Data (examples)

If there are High Stream Flow Advisories, the area on the Rivers Alberta Map will be shown in yellow. Select the yellow bar and see a forecast link with additional information.

• Normal Range is shown in the grey bar
• Blue shows the highest recorded flow on these dates
• Red shows the current levels
• On May 6, 2022 at 8:18 AM levels are shown below the normal flow (grey bar)