McGregor, Travers, and Little Bow Reservoirs Operations Outlook July 23, 2024

These reservoirs are owned by the Government of Alberta. Their primary purpose is supplying water for the Bow River Irrigation District.

Reservoir levels are currently above normal but dropping gradually toward the winter target levels. Travers and Little Bow Reservoirs’ current levels are approximately 855.9 metres and McGregor is at 873.65 metres, and total storage is over 40,000 acre feet above winter levels. McGregor will be lowered to 873.50 metres in the next few days, and then held at that approximate level while Travers and Little Bow are drawn down to a level of about 855.0 metres by late August, unless high irrigation demand or low river flow causes lower levels to occur. Once Travers and Little Bow are at that level a gradual drawdown of McGregor will resume. This winter we expect McGregor to be at a level of 873.0 metres or slightly lower to accommodate construction of erosion protection on the east shore. That is about 0.5 metres below the typical winter level. The winter level for Travers and Little Bow will be approximately 855.0 metres, which is higher than normal to compensate for the lower level of McGregor.

Please note that unpredictable changes in river flow and irrigation demand may cause significant changes to these predicted levels for both reservoirs.

Current reservoir levels and river flows can be viewed at the Alberta River Basins website: Alberta River Basins