Lake Diefenbaker Updates
Lake Diefenbaker Updates
Updated June 19, 2026
Current Conditions
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Flows in the headwaters have generally continued to decline slowly and are expected to keep decreasing without significant rainfall.
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Lake Diefenbaker levels are currently above median levels for this time of year and are expected to steadily increase.
Forecast Overview
The table shows the updated 10-day forecast for Lake Diefenbaker (19-28 June, 2026).
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Inflows are expected to gradually decline from approximately 560 m³/s to 480 m³/s over the 10-day forecast period.
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Based on the forecasted inflows and planned outflows, the reservoir is expected to continue rising steadily over the next 10 days, increasing from about 554.61 m to approximately 555.13 m (roughly 0.5 m increase).
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Releases from Gardiner Dam are currently near plant capacity (~270 m³/s) and are expected to remain at this level through the weekend before getting reduced to 250 m³/s then 200 m³/s by end of the 10-day period.
Hydrologic Conditions
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Over the weekend, 5 to 30 mm of precipitation was observed across the headwaters.
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Forecasts indicate an additional 10 to 20 mm of precipitation in the next 3 days near Lake Diefenbaker, which is not expected to significantly impact flows.
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Forecasts indicate 30 to 60 mm of precipitation is forecast from Saturday through Monday over portions of the Red Deer River basin and upper Bow River basin.
Inflows and Reservoir Charts
The charts below show 2026 observed inflows and reservoir elevations, compared against historical ranges.
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