Drought & Flood

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

Revised Alberta Drought Response Plan – Click here to learn more

Government of Alberta Drought Information

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 represented by purple polygons on the map.

Soil Moisture (updated weekly during the growing season) is found here.

Instream Temperature Readings (found here on the Water Quality Data Portal)

For Alberta drought updates and news click here.

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.

June 9, 2024. Facing NW. Water close up.

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 %