Glenmore Reservoir Dam Operations

The Glenmore Dam will be under construction from spring 2017 until 2020. Upgrades include a new bridge deck with better access for pathway users, concrete work on the face of the dam and a new steel gate and hoist system.

To learn more, visit Glenmore Dam infrastructure improvements.

Glenmore Reservoir & Dam Operation

The Glenmore Reservoir and Dam are located on the Elbow River. They were constructed to provide Calgarians a safe and sufficient supply of drinking water and are managed according to the following priorities:

• Store an adequate supply for drinking water
• Reduce the impact of high river flows and sustain environmental health
• Provide recreational opportunities

Reduce the impact of high river flows and sustain environmental health

The Elbow River watershed is short and steep. Rapid changes in water flows in the reservoir can occur from mid-May to mid-July.

We monitor the water level and draw it down around the third week of May to try and reduce the risk of downstream flooding and riverbank erosion.

See what The City is doing to prepare for potential flood.

We maintain the health of the Elbow River by adjusting the flows during mid-sized or high flow events to reduce flooding, river bank erosion and collapse.

During the fall spawning season, we adjust downstream flows to maintain a steady level allowing the best opportunity for the survival of the fish habitat.

To learn more, download the Glenmore Reservoir operations fact sheet.

Recreational use

When conditions are unsafe, City of Calgary, Recreation will close the Glenmore Reservoir. Calgarians should stay a safe distance from the stream and reservoir banks and obey all Alberta Environment river advisories.

To check the status of the Glenmore Reservoir, visit Glenmore Reservoir Recreation.