A hub for drought and flood information in the Red Deer River watershed. Learn more about drought and flood situations in the watershed through our interactive page. This page also includes updates on water levels at Dickson Dam.
Disclaimer: The RDRWA is sharing resources for informational and educational purposes only. These resources are not exhaustive. The RDRWA cannot guarantee the accuracy or security of linked websites and content. Please exercise caution when accessing unfamiliar websites.
Red Deer River watershed – current conditions and updates
Red Deer River is currently in Stage 3 of the Drought Plan
The government of Alberta is watching low water levels related to high temperatures and lower dissolved oxygen which may be concerning to fish and aquatic life. Check the Alberta Rivers App for low flow and water temperature data information. Information will be considered for sport fishery restrictions and closures.
Report license concerns and fish kills to:
Energy and Environmental Emergency 24-Hour Response Line call 1-800-222-6514
Producer support:
Call 310-FARM or visit the Water Pumping Program Website
Additional Information
Water Management Advisories in Effect are found on the Alberta River Basins website
Soil Moisture Maps are found on Alberta’s Drought Current Conditions Page
Instream Temperature Readings on the Water Quality Data Portal
Keeping up with the dam
Dickson Dam is the only dam that exists on the Red Deer River, making it a unique and important part of our watershed. This section will have posted photos and updates on the constantly changing water levels at Dickson Dam and Gleniffer Lake throughout the season. For live data of Dickson Dam and Gleniffer Reservoir visit the Alberta River Basins Website and App.
May 2024
May 1, 2024
Volume: ~ 112,000 (dam3)
Capacity: ~ 55.1 %
May 10, 2024
Volume: ~ 127,000 (dam3)
Capacity: ~ 62.5 %
May 20, 2024
Volume: ~ 135,000 (dam3)
Capacity: ~ 66.5 %
June 2024
June 1, 2024
Volume: ~ 140,000 (dam3)
Capacity: ~ 68.9 %
June 9, 2024
Volume: ~ 150,000 (dam3)
Capacity: ~ 73.9 %
June 15, 2024
Volume: ~ 160,000 (dam3)
Capacity: ~ 78.8 %
July 2024
July 1, 2024
Volume: ~ 173,000 (dam3)
Capacity: ~ 85.2 %
July 11, 2024
Volume: ~ 176,000 (dam3)
Capacity: ~ 86.7 %
July 15, 2024
Volume: ~ 180,000 (dam3)
Capacity: ~ 88.6 %
August 2024
August 1, 2024
Volume: ~ 190,000 (dam3)
Capacity: ~ 93.5 %
August 10, 2024
Volume: ~ 194,000 (dam3)
Capacity: ~ 95.7 %
August 20, 2024
Volume: ~ 198,400 (dam3)
Capacity: ~ 97.7 %
May 2024
May 1, 2024
Water Level: ~ 1.38 m
Flow: ~ 20 m3/s
May 10, 2024
Water Level: ~ 1.94 m
Flow: ~ 65 m3/s
May 20, 2024
Water Level: ~ 2.17 m
Flow: ~ 90 m3/s
June 2024
June 1, 2024
Water Level: ~ 1.88 m
Flow: ~ 59 m3/s
June 10, 2024
Water Level: ~ 1.70 m
Flow: ~ 40 m3/s
June 20, 2024
Water Level: ~ 1.60 m
Flow: ~ 34 m3/s
July 2024
July 1, 2024
Water Level: ~ 2.10 m
Flow: ~ 55 m3/s
July 10, 2024
Water Level: ~ 1.95 m
Flow: ~ 57 m3/s
July 20, 2024
Water Level: ~ 1.67 m
Flow: ~ 41 m3/s
August 2024
August 1, 2024
Water Level: ~ 1.45 m
Flow: ~ 23 m3/s
August 10, 2024
Water Level: ~ 1.88 m
Flow: ~ 57 m3/s
August 20, 2024
Water Level: ~ 1.72 m
Flow: ~ 46 m3/s
Drought Resources
A compiled list of top resources for different drought topics to be explored:
Water Sharing Memorandum of Understanding Meeting Report
Alberta River Basins Website and App
Alberta Water License Viewer
Alberta Water Council – Building Resiliency to Multi-Year Drought
Alberta’s Water Priority System
Alberta Flow Estimation Tool for Ungauged Watersheds
Water Conservation Objectives and Instream Objectives
Drought response resources for Northern communities
Natural Edge Plant Database
Drought in Alberta: A Video
Alberta 24-Hour Environmental Response Line
Drought Information by Municipality
Red Deer County
Lacombe County
Rocky View County
City of Red Deer – Water Conservation Guidelines
City of Red Deer’s Water Conservation, Efficiency and Productivity Plan (CEP)
Flood Resources
A compiled list of top resources for different drought topics to be explored.
Additional resources
Move My License: Water Act
Digital Regulatory Assurance System (DRAS)
Water Act Fact Sheet – AER
AER Water Use Performance Report
Drought and Flood Protection Program
Alberta 24-Hour Environmental Response Line