Update #4: River Flow and Springbank Off-stream Reservoir Operations
July 3, 2026: Updated conditions indicate that river flows have stabilized and are steadily receding. As a result, in consultation with Rocky View County and the City of Calgary, as of 7 p.m., Tuesday June 29, the Province closed the Elbow River diversion channel into the Springbank Off-stream Reservoir and began the reservoir water release.
Springbank Road, East between Highway 22 and Springdale Road (Range Road 40), was opened as of Thursday afternoon, July 2, due to receding water levels within the Springbank Off-stream Reservoir.
Water and wastewater systems continue to experience increased flows, but operations are managing through wastewater hauling.
Everyone is reminded to stay away from the river, riverbanks, and all river pathways, and obey all pathway closure signs within Bragg Creek and Clearwater Landing. We thank everyone for their understanding and adherence to all warnings throughout this past week.
Update #3:
The Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir (SR1) continues to operate, diverting water from the Elbow River until river flows return to safe levels and the risk of flooding has passed.
Springbank Road East between Highway 22 and Springdale Road (Range Road 40) will remain closed while SR1 is in operation. The closure is part of the reservoir's designed flood mitigation system. Local traffic only is permitted.
A signed detour is in place to help motorists navigate around the closure. Residents and motorists are reminded to obey all road closure signs and local traffic restrictions.
Pathways in the communities of Bragg Creek and Elbow Valley may be experiencing flooding. Residents and visitors are asked to stay away from the river, riverbanks, and all river pathways, as conditions can change quickly and riverbanks may be unstable.
Rocky View County continues to monitor conditions and will provide updates as new information becomes available.
Update #2:
Springbank Road East between Highway 22 and Springdale Road (Range Road 40) will be closed at 1pm due to operations at the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir. Local traffic only is permitted. A signed detour will be in place to help motorists navigate around the closure. The closure will remain in effect until further notice.
Update #1: Flood Warning for the Bragg Creek Area and Springbank Off-stream Reservoir (SR1) Operations
The Alberta River Forecast Centre has upgraded the Elbow River advisory from a Flood Watch to a Flood Warning due to high river flows near Bragg Creek.
To help reduce downstream flood risk, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation has begun operating the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir (SR1). SR1 temporarily diverts and stores flood water, helping reduce peak flows into the Glenmore Reservoir.
As a precaution, the County is preparing to close parts of Springbank Road until further notice. Residents and motorists are asked to use an alternate route, allow extra travel time, and obey all road closure signs.
Please use caution and stay informed:
- If you live upstream of Bragg Creek, your access roads or driveways may be cut off.
- There may be water on rural roadways. Drive with care and never drive through flooded areas.
- Hike and bike with caution, even on familiar trails in Kananaskis. Conditions are extremely saturated, muddy, and potentially slippery.
- Stay away from the river and river banks.
For the latest river conditions, forecasts, and advisories, visit Alberta Rivers - Alberta Environment and Protected Areas or use the Alberta Rivers mobile app.