Understanding the Flow: How Water Works on the Upper Kananaskis River

If you’re new to paddling the Upper Kan, there’s one key thing you need to understand before getting on the water: the flow is controlled.

The Upper Kananaskis River is not a natural, free-flowing river. Water levels here are regulated by the Barrier Dam, a hydroelectric dam operated by TransAlta. That means paddling conditions can change significantly depending on when and how much water is being released. Where to Find Flow Information

TransAlta publishes scheduled release times for the Barrier Dam at: https://transalta.com/river-flows

These flow times are typically posted three days in advance, but keep in mind, they’re subject to change! Always check the schedule on the day you’re heading out to avoid surprises.

Understanding Flow Timing

TransAlta uses a 24-hour format and lists times as "Hour Ending" (HE).For example:

• HE11 represents any time between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM

• HE20 represents any time between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM

  
  

Once water is released, it takes time to reach various parts of the river:

• Approx. 15 minutes to reach Widowmaker

• Approx. 45 minutes to reach Canoe Meadows

Quick Tips for Paddlers

• Check flow times every time before you leave home

• The ideal paddling flow is 27 cms (cubic meters per second)

• Be extra cautious at low flows, some features can become shallow or difficult to navigate

• If you're unsure, ask a local paddler or club for the current conditions

  
  
  
  

  

  
  

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