With support from the Government of Alberta, the Town of High River is a leader in flood mitigation and emergency response, with world-class protection in place making it one of the safest communities in Canada.

Flood Protection and Mitigation

The Town's Renewal team has worked alongside staff and contractors on projects that make High River one of the most flood-protected communities in North America. Read more about Flood Protection and Mitigation below, and view the 2021 Flood Mitigation System Map.

Annual River Monitoring

Local river monitoring and observations are based on science and experience. We use data provided by experts - and based on this, the Town calls the shots to determine when action is required to protect our residents.

High River staff monitor the river until the end of June. LED river monitoring signs are placed at high traffic areas in Town to keep everyone informed.

Town staff monitor data specific to the Highwood River Basin. Data includes real-time information about the snowpack and snowmelt and is compiled by monitoring stream flow and volume at key monitoring stations. Monitoring information is shared with the community weekly on the website and social media.

Flood Preparedness

A family emergency and communications plan helps family members know what to do during an emergency if they are separated from each other.

The four stages of river monitoring are Normal, High Stream Flow Advisory, Flood Watch and Flood Warning. If a Flood Watch is necessary, residents will be advised to prepare and be ready. A Flood Warning means there is a potential emergency. Residents are reminded to sign up for emergency notifications.

• What to do in a Flood Warning Stage
• What to do in a Flood Watch Stage

Local Resources

• Living on the Highwood River
• High River Local River Monitoring Process
• Understanding Local River Monitoring Stages and LED Signs
• Highwood River Key Monitoring Stations

Provincial Resources

• Standard Definitions – River Monitoring
• What Makes Alberta Flooding Distinct
• Flood Forecasting and Warning
• Snow Does Not Equal Flood-Alberta’s Snow Melt and its Impact on Alberta Rivers
• How Do Rainstorms Cause Flooding in Alberta

Flood Protection/Mitigation Updates

• January 2022 Insurance Letter
• 2021 Flood Mitigation System Map

Media Releases: 2015-2021

• Council Awards Tender for Southwest Dike and 12th Ave Work April 21, 2020
• Interim Dike Spring Maintenance Begins April 20 Along 12th Ave SW
• Flood Risk Management Progress: Build it Back Better
• 2019 Flood-Mitigation-Handout
• 2015 Update on Flood Mitigation and Protection