Seasonal Flooding

Important Life Safety Notices:
Use Caution - Sturgeon River water levels have begun receding and flow rates are starting to return to normal. Use caution when around, or on, the river as water levels can fluctuate.
Stay Alert – Debris, such as tree limbs, may not be visible and can present a hazard if travelling in a watercraft on the river.
Watch Your Step - The riverbanks and trail systems may be unstable in areas that have been submerged. Watch your step in areas that were previously underwater as there is a greater risk of erosion with little to no notice.

Severe Weather

Severe weather with downpours continue to hit St. Albert and the Edmonton region. The main hazard of these storms is the torrential rain on top of the already saturated ground.

Be Prepared

Pay attention to the sky. Be aware of severe weather alerts by monitoring Environment and Climate Change Canada

For what to do in a severe storm, flood or power outage, visit the City of St. Albert's Emergency Resources page under Government of Canada

Updated as of August 20 @ 10:30 a.m.

Flood Mitigation Measures Removed

The City has removed barriers along previously submerged trails. The Rotary Boat Dock, MacMillan Park Boat Launch and the Kingswood Boat Dock have re-opened.

Recovery and Remediation Efforts

It will take time to evaluate the full extent of damage the recent flooding has caused, but our crews are already out in the community evaluating what repairs are needed.

Hazard Assistance and Resilience Program

Due to the unprecedented amount of rainfall, the flooding of the Sturgeon River and the severe storms that hit St. Albert, the City applied for Hazard Assistance and Resilience Program (HARP) funding from the Government of Alberta.

To apply for the program, the City had to incur at least $255,250 in costs through our response, recovery and remediation efforts of the Sturgeon River flood and the impact of the severe storms.

We encourage residents and businesses to take pictures and closely track costs associated with any flood damage they incurred in case the Government of Alberta approves the City's HARP application. Residents and businesses can only apply for HARP assistance if the City has applied for and receives HARP approval. HARP approval is determined through the Government of Alberta.

If the City is approved for HARP assistance, we will communicate this information throughout our City channels. Approval of HARP funding may take several months.

For more information on HARP, visit the Government of Alberta's Hazard Assistance and Resilience Program

River Smell

Due to flooding, vegetation that isn’t normally underwater is now covered by the Sturgeon River. This plant matter is decaying and using up oxygen in the water resulting in a sulphur like smell. This odour will continue until the water recedes and the areas begin to dry out.

Depending on wind direction, air temperature and recent rainfall, the smell may seem stronger or weaker.

Trail/Park Reopenings

The following areas will be reopening as the water levels recede. Follow on-site signage and avoid any closed trails or parks.

Red Willow Park at 13 Berrymore Drive - this off-leash area is not flooded, but the ground is extremely saturated - use with caution.
The Perron Street and St. Albert Trail underpasses have re-opened and the north trail between Perron Street and St. Albert Trail has been cleaned up.
The trail from the Trestle Bridge to Riel Recreation Area has re-opened.

Note: Stormwater Management Facilities are not meant for any recreational activities like swimming, boating or fishing. Water currents and changing water levels are unpredictable.

These dry stormwater management facilities are designed to remain empty under normal conditions and fill temporarily during significant rainfall events. They are operating as intended.
These facilities are at capacity with water levels being very high. Avoid the surrounding areas as they are muddy and slippery.
Dogs should be kept on-leash.

Additional Resources

Check out the following provincial resources on the Sturgeon River:

St. Albert Flood Map

The Government of Alberta has done a lot of work to prepare flood mapping for the province, which includes St. Albert. To see the flood map for St. Albert and the Sturgeon River:

Go to the provincial website
Scroll down the list to find the St. Albert Flood Study
Click the first link to see the final flood map
Click the second link to see the final study report

Current Height of the Sturgeon River

Alberta Rivers monitors the height of rivers across the province. To see the current height of the Sturgeon River in St. Albert:

Go to the provincial website
You will see a map of Alberta
Zoom in until you see the icon for the Sturgeon River
Click on the icon to see the current height of the river, how fast it is flowing, and the time stamp for the measurements

Last edited: August 21, 2026

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