A High Streamflow Advisory is in effect for the South Saskatchewan River in Redcliff, Alberta, as water levels rose sharply overnight on July 2, 2026. While officials say there is no flood risk right now, they are asking people to be careful around the river and stay away from the water’s edge.
According to the Town of Redcliff, the river’s flow rate jumped from about 340 cubic metres per second to a peak between 1,700 and 1,850 cubic metres per second in 24 hours. Water levels near Medicine Hat rose from 3.15 metres to 5.88 metres in the same period.
The town closed its boat launch and will keep it closed until flows return to normal. People using River Valley Park are warned that riverbanks could be unstable and the water is colder, faster, and higher than usual.
Douglas Gill, Deputy Chief – Operations for Medicine Hat Fire and Emergency Services, cautioned that even calm-looking rivers can have hidden dangers. Fast-moving water, underwater currents, debris, and unstable banks increase the risk of injury or drowning. He said staying out of the river is the safest choice until conditions improve.
This is the first major rise on the South Saskatchewan River since the 2013 Alberta floods, when flows peaked at 5,460 cubic metres per second and forced thousands of Medicine Hat residents from their homes. Current conditions remain far below that level.
