Alberta Whitewater Association

06/04/2026

Water levels on the Kananaskis continue to rise with 64cms this morning. Expect the river to change. Always be aware of potential hazards and particularly scout the race course to avoid any new hazards (rocks, trees, wires).

06/01/2026

TransAlta advises residents and recreational users along the Bow River that river flows are expected to increase due to ongoing snowmelt and forecast precipitation.

Under direction from provincial water management authorities, TransAlta is adjusting operations at Ghost Reservoir to create additional storage capacity and support flood mitigation efforts throughout the Bow River system.

As a result, river levels and flows downstream of Ghost Reservoir may rise over the coming days. Conditions can change quickly, and people are encouraged to use caution near riverbanks, pathways, reservoirs, and other waterways. Public safety remains our top priority.

TransAlta is closely monitoring conditions and coordinating with provincial agencies and local authorities.

Residents should continue to follow updates and advisories issued by local municipalities, emergency management organizations, and Alberta authorities.

05/31/2026

Can you hear me now? Probably not over that Class III roar! 🌊🔊

When the river gets loud, voice communication goes out the window. That’s when universal river signals become your lifeline. Before your next club paddle, make sure your group is speaking the same language.

For today’s , we’re covering the Big Four paddle signals:

1️⃣ Stop / Hazard Ahead 🛑

• The Signal: Hold your paddle horizontally above your head with both hands.
• What it means: Freeze. Catch an eddy immediately. Do not proceed downstream until you get the all-clear.

2️⃣ All Clear / Come Ahead ✊

• The Signal: Make a closed fist and hold your arm straight up, or hold your paddle perfectly vertical.
• ⚠️ The Key Detail: Do not use an open, flat hand. From a distance, a flat palm can be misinterpreted as a "Stop" command. Use a fist to make the signal unambiguous.

3️⃣ Directional / Go This Way 👉

• The Signal: Extend your arm or paddle clearly toward the safe side of the river (left or right).
• What it means: Paddle toward the direction being pointed out. Crucial rule: Never point at the hazard (the rock or the strainer)—always point toward the safe water!

4️⃣ I’m Okay 🪖

• The Signal: Repeatedly tap the top of your helmet with one hand. Do this to ask and to answer.
• ⚠️ The Key Detail: do not use this signal unless you really are okay!

🔊 Whistle Blasts (The Backup Plan)

If you can't see each other, use your safety whistle:

• 1 Blast: "Attention!" (Look at me / look for a signal).
• 2 Blasts: "Upstream!" or "Stop!"
• 3 Blasts: "Emergency / Swimmer in the water!" 🚨

👇 CALL TO ACTION: Does your crew use a custom signal for "Let's take a snack break" or "Where's the shuttle vehicle?" Drop your favorite unofficial river signals in the comments below! 👇

05/27/2026

Quick video about Clean Drain Dry!

https://youtu.be/DFSJjAXhnmU?si=JxotJfBiFMiLKVP2

It’s National Invasive Species Action Month!

Keeping your kayak, canoe or paddleboard clean is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Follow these three simple steps:
Clean and wash your watercraft and equipment
Drain all water
Dry all gear thoroughly before heading to another body of water

Make it a habit to clean, drain and dry all recreational watercraft and equipment that have come into contact with water.

🎥 Watch this video to learn more: https://ow.ly/2MeQ50Z4FGv

05/25/2026

05/21/2026

Do you want to take a River Rescue Course, but don't want to use up your weekends?

Here's your opportunity Calgary!
4 evenings in June (2, 9, 16, 23)

https://www.albertawhitewater.ca/ckc-river-rescue-course-harvie-passage-4-weeknights

Waterwerks Kayak Club Cochrane Paddlers Paddle Junkies Whitewater Club Bow Waters Canoe Club Whitewater Paddling Club

05/11/2026

Always nice to see water access improvements!
Alberta Parks