The Town of Okotoks has lifted Stage 1 of our Emergency Management Plan following improved weather conditions and the end of the recent High Streamflow Advisory for our region.
The Sheep River remains high, fast-flowing and cold, with unpredictable currents and hidden hazards like debris, overhanging branches, slippery rocks, and sudden drop-offs. Even if it looks calm on the surface, the conditions below can be dangerous. For your safety, we are urging everyone to stay off and out of the river at this time.
River Safety Tips
- Stay away from riverbanks and fast-moving water, as banks can become unstable and conditions can change rapidly.
- Avoid water activities such as tubing, swimming or kayaking.
- Keep children and pets away from riverbanks.
- Stay on marked trails and avoid high-flow areas.
Thank you for your cooperation and for helping to keep our community safe.
River Monitoring Update – July 3 | 2:35 p.m.
The Town remains under a High Streamflow Advisory, and our teams continue to monitor the river and conditions. Please continue to stay away from the river and banks, and follow the instructions below.
River Monitoring Update – June 29 | 4:25 p.m.
As we close out the day, it looks like the worst of the rain is over. The Town remains under a High Streamflow Advisory, and our teams continue to monitor the river and conditions. Please continue to stay away from the river and banks, and follow the instructions below.
River Monitoring Update – June 29 | 11:00 a.m.
- Do not drive through flooded roadways.
- Watch for washouts near rivers, creeks, and culverts.
- Avoid walking, biking or driving through pooling water.
- Backed-up storm drains or localized flooding can be reported at https://www.okotoks.ca/report-it
- Clear eavestroughs and downspouts.
- Ensure downspouts are directed away from your foundation.
- Watch for pooling water in low-lying areas of your property.
June 28 | 11:00 a.m.
High streamflow advisory remains in effect
A special weather statement has been issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) for central and southern Alberta due to heavy rainfall. Rain is expected to continue into Monday, gradually diminishing Monday night and ending by Tuesday morning. Total rainfall amounts of 50–100 mm are possible, with river flow rates of 65–150 m³/s.
There is currently no immediate threat to public safety; however, minor flooding in low-lying areas and water pooling on roads is possible.
The Town of Okotoks has activated Stage One of its Emergency Management Plan in response to the high streamflow advisory for the Sheep River. This indicates rising water levels, with no major flooding expected. The Emergency Management team continues to monitor conditions, coordinate with partners, and receive updates from ECCC.
Residents are encouraged to use caution around the river and take steps to reduce localized flooding on their property.
River Safety Tips
- Stay away from riverbanks and fast-moving water, as banks can become unstable and conditions can change rapidly.
- Avoid water activities such as tubing, swimming or kayaking.
- Keep children and pets away from riverbanks.
- Stay on marked trails and avoid high-flow areas.
Road and Water Safety
- Do not drive through flooded roadways.
- Watch for washouts near rivers, creeks, and culverts.
- Avoid walking, biking or driving through pooling water.
Help Reduce Localized Flooding
- Clear eavestroughs and downspouts.
- Ensure downspouts are directed away from your foundation.
- Watch for pooling water in low-lying areas of your property.
- If you notice a backed-up storm drain, you can report it at okotoks.ca/report-it.
Free sandbags are available for residents who would like extra protection. They can be picked up at the Okotoks Operations Centre parking lot at 1118 N Railway St. Please be mindful and leave some for your neighbours.
Stay informed by following the Town’s social media channels and visit our flood planning page to learn how to prepare for heavy rainfall and potential flooding at flood planning page.
June 27 | 5:30 p.m.
A High Streamflow Advisory has been issued for the Sheep River at Okotoks. River levels and flows are expected to increase over the next few days, with peak conditions currently forecast for late afternoon on Monday, June 29.
River Safety Tips:
- Avoid water activities like tubing, swimming, or kayaking.
- Keep children and pets away from the riverbanks, as banks may be unstable or slippery.
- Stay on marked trails and avoid high-flow areas.
- Avoid walking, biking or driving through pooling water.
There is no immediate threat to public safety currently; however, heavy rainfall may overwhelm storm drains and lead to overland flooding, especially in low-lying areas. Residents can help reduce localized flooding by taking a few simple steps around their property:
- Ensure downspouts are down and directed away from your home’s foundation.
- If you notice a backed-up storm drain, you can report it at okotoks.ca/report-it.
Stay informed by following the Town’s social media channels and learn more about how you can be prepared for heavy rainfall and flooding on our flood planning page.
Thank you for your cooperation and for helping to keep our community safe.
June 25, 2026 | 1:10 p.m.
An extended period of rainfall is forecast for this weekend and is expected to continue into next week. Due to the anticipated precipitation, the Town's emergency management team is actively monitoring conditions, coordinating with regional and provincial partners, and ensuring readiness in case the situation changes.
The Sheep River remains fast-flowing and cold, with unpredictable currents and hidden hazards like debris, slippery rocks and sudden drop-offs. Heavy rainfall can cause river levels to rise quickly and increase flow, creating dangerous conditions even when the river looks calm on the surface. For your safety, we are urging everyone to stay off and out of the river.
River Safety Tips:
- Avoid water activities like tubing, swimming, or kayaking.
- Keep children and pets away from the riverbanks, as banks may be unstable or slippery.
- Stay on marked trails and avoid high-flow areas.
- Avoid walking, biking or driving through pooling water.
There is no immediate threat to public safety currently; however, heavy rainfall may overwhelm storm drains and lead to overland flooding, especially in low-lying areas. Residents can help reduce localized flooding by taking a few simple steps around their property:
- Ensure downspouts are down and directed away from your home’s foundation.
- If you notice a backed-up storm drain, you can report it at okotoks.ca/report-it.
Stay informed by following the Town’s social media channels and learn more about how you can be prepared for heavy rainfall and flooding on our flood planning page.
Thank you for your cooperation and for helping to keep our community safe.