City of Lethbridge updates residents on rainfall, flooding potential

Jun 2, 2026 | 2:32 PM

While the rainfall has eased, the City of Lethbridge is now closely watching water levels on the Oldman River.

The latest from the Alberta River Forecast Centre is that it will peak sometime Wednesday evening between 750 cubic metres-per-second and 1000 cubic metres-per-second.

At 9:30 Tuesday morning, the streamflow was about 615 cubic metres per second.

While Wednesday night’s crest will be considerably higher than we’ve seen the last few years, it shouldn’t breach the threshold for overland flooding.

However, the City cautions it could result in some minor flooding in low-lying river valley parks and trails.

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The river, itself, remains under a High Streamflow Advisory.

Meantime, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services is warning the community to stay away from the river and its riverbanks.

That includes watercraft, with a Boating Advisory in place for both the Oldman and St Mary rivers.

Water Rescue Team Lead Charles Schoening says high water levels and fast-moving flows can create dangerous conditions with little or no warning.

The service also strongly suggesting you don’t drive, walk, or bike through flooded areas.

The City also updated the situation with its Water & Wastewater Treatment Plant Tuesday afternoon.

The facility’s GM, Jason Drenth, says, while water might be murky, at times, it’s perfectly safe to drink.

Residents were asked Monday to conserve water, where necessary, including hold off on doing laundry or using their dishwasher, until conditions improve.

by Dave Lueneberg

City of Lethbridge updates residents on rainfall, flooding potential

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