This release was issued under a previous government.

Aerial photo of Fort McMurray

River flow forecasting is a complex process that is based on the weather forecast. Alberta’s flow forecasters look at several factors in predicting potential flooding, including rainfall, snow pack, soil moisture and temperature. In southern Alberta, the main driver of flooding is rainfall.

“Flood forecasting is a science. We are working to put the best systems and tools in place to ensure Albertans are getting the right information about conditions at the right time.”

Robin Campbell, Minister, Environment and Sustainable Resource Development

In the wake of the June 2013 floods, Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development is taking steps to enhance its flood forecasting system through a number of projects that will strengthen our communications with municipalities and improve our overall flood forecasting model.

A new automatic rainfall intensity alarm system in the Eastern Slopes area will be put in place to alert staff and municipal emergency managers about a rapid increase in water levels. In addition, we are developing an advisory and river basin data mobile app to better inform Albertans of conditions in rivers and streams.

Other initiatives

  • $75,000 for the Weather Forecasting Review Project evaluates the effect variations in weather forecasts have on river forecasting.
  • $140,000 for the province-wide Performance Measures Project that investigates worldwide best practices of river forecasting.
  • $280,000 for the Assessing Flood Vulnerability Project (provincewide) examines how changes in duration and intensity of rainfall affect the timing of flood events.
  • $3.5 million from Budget 2014 for flood mitigation studies that review and assess flood mitigation options for Alberta's most flood-prone river basins.

Alberta’s River Forecasting Centre works with municipalities to ensure they have the most up-to-date information available to make the best decisions for their communities. It monitors conditions in our river and issues advisories when there is cause for concern. 

Multimedia

Watch on YouTube: Flood forecasting in Alberta