June 3 Oldman River update

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s happening around the city as we deal with recent weather events and rising river conditions.

Streamflow update

As of 10:25 a.m. today, the Oldman River was flowing at a rate of 746 cubic metres per second (m3/s). That is near the province’s minimum forecasted peak of 750 m3/s. The maximum forecasted peak is 1,000 m3/s by Wednesday evening. That remains well below the threshold for overland flooding.

Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services urges the community to stay away from the Oldman River and its banks. Avoid all river activities, keep children and pets well back from fast‑moving water, and watch for unstable, slippery areas. People should obey posted closures, avoid flooded zones and call 9‑1‑1 if someone is in immediate danger.

A boating advisory remains in effect, and everyone is asked to stay off the Oldman River and St. Mary River until conditions improve.

Water treatment

The Water Treatment Plant is still dealing with murky river water, so community and regional customers are asked to continue voluntary conservation efforts.

Operations at the Wastewater Treatment Plant have returned to normal.

Parks closures

These trails and access roads remain closed:

-          Ridgewood and Heritage trails and Bull Trail areas

-          Pacific Park (Garry Station)

-          Crossings Wet Pond

-          Firelight Park island (Copperwood)

-          Alexander Wilderness Park (Legacy Ridge)

-          The access road to Pavan Park is expected to reopen the afternoon of June 3

Please continue to obey all closed signage in impacted areas.

Did you forget to turn off your sprinkler timer?

According to Environment Canada, the Lethbridge area received upwards of 160 mm of precipitation between May 28 and June 2. That’s a lot of free irrigation! With that in mind, we’re asking residents and businesses to pause outdoor watering while the recent moisture works its magic.

The City of Lethbridge paused its scheduled June 1 start to the irrigation season. Crews are monitoring conditions and irrigation will begin when deemed necessary. Details on irrigation and other spring service levels can be found on the City website.

Speaking of field conditions…

Sports fields managed by the City of Lethbridge remain closed on June 3. Conditions are monitored daily, with updates posted on the Sports Field closures webpage . The page is updated every weekday by 2:30 p.m. to show whether City fields are open or closed.

For Public Inquiries:
Call or chat 311 | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.