River Monitoring Update – Wednesday, May 6, 2026

The current snowpack is within normal levels for this time of year and is currently at 469.20 mm of snow water equivalent.

The current flow rate of the Highwood River, below Little Bow Canal, is slightly above the normal rate at 26 cubic metres per second. Typical flows for this time of year range from 6 to 19 cubic metres per second.

Light precipitation is forecast over the coming week; no significant changes in river levels are expected at this time.

Town staff will continue to closely monitor snowpack conditions and river levels throughout the hazard season.

"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.

Many factors, both natural and human-induced, 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 to inform residents of the hazards during peak hazard season.
• These signs intend to raise awareness of the risk potential.

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 understand the reported flow rates, 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 critical stations monitored by Town staff on rivers.alberta.ca.

High Stream Flow Advisory Stage

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

It is always important to be prepared if the stream flow advisory becomes a Flood Watch. Water volume and flow are 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 the 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 areas adjacent to the affected streams. Anyone near 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, your family, your pets and your home.

River Monitoring Update - Friday, June 13, 2025

The current flow rate of the Highwood River below Little Bow Canal is below normal, at 8.52 cubic metres per second. Normal flows range from 25 to 65 cubic meters per second. Small amounts of precipitation are forecasted for next week; we are not expecting any significant changes in the river as a result.

Town staff will continue to closely monitor the snow and river for the remainder of the hazard season.

River Monitoring Update - Friday, June 6, 2025

The current flow rate of the Highwood River below Little Bow Canal is below normal at 6.59 cubic metres per second. Normal flows range from 25 to 65 cubic meters per second. Precipitation is forecasted for next week; however, we do not expect any significant changes in the river as a result. Town staff will continue to closely monitor the snow and river for the remainder of the hazard season.

River Monitoring Update - Friday, May 30

Snowpack is currently at 38 mm of snow water equivalent. The Highwood River below the canal is flowing below normal levels, and a water shortage advisory remains in effect along the river. A small amount of precipitation is forecasted for next week, with temperatures rising to mid-20s. Town staff will continue closely monitoring the snow and river for the remainder of the hazard season!

River Monitoring Update - May 23, 2025

Snowpack is currently at 198 mm of snow water equivalent, compared to 385 mm at this time last year. The Highwood River below the canal is flowing below normal levels, and a water shortage advisory remains in effect along the river. A small amount of precipitation is forecasted for next week, with temperatures rising to mid to high 20s. Town staff will continue closely monitoring the snow and river for the remainder of the hazard season!

River Monitoring Update - Friday, May 16, 2025

The snowpack is below average for this time of year and is currently at 236 mm of snow water equivalent. At this time last year, we were right around 375 mm of snow water equivalent. Currently, the Highwood River below the canal is still below average, and a water shortage advisory is in place on the Highwood River. The forecasts indicate some precipitation is expected over the long weekend and into next week. Town staff will continuously monitor the snow and the river situation closely for the remainder of the hazard season.

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)