Flow Estimates for the Current Year

The graph below shows the Athabasca River flow estimates (black dots) used in implementation of the Lower Athabasca Region Surface Water Quantity Management Framework for the Lower Athabasca River weekly management triggers and water withdrawal limits for the current year 2026. The table below presents the Athabasca River flow estimates used for the previous year.

The river naturally fluctuates throughout the year, with flows reaching their peak around July (approximately week 26 on the graph). As natural flow increases, so does the minimum flow required to maintain a healthy ecosystem.

Flow estimates for the current year 2026

*Week #1 is January 1 - 7. Week #52 is December 24th - 31st.

Flow estimates for the previous year 2025

Week Flow (m3/s) Week Flow (m3/s)
1 178 27 880
2 216 28 779
3 212 29 663
4 204 30 628
5 200 31 695
6 197 32 625
7 190 33 715
8 175 34
9 174 35 720
10 176 36 537
11 177 37
12 183 38 411
13 253 39 367
14 293 40
15 293 41 345
16 293 42 292
17 550 43 312
18 500 44 317
19 480 45 288
20 589 46 241
21 730 47 205
22 693 48 168
23 947 49 166
24 714 50 155
25 887 51 147
26 813 52 151

* On occasion, weekly flow estimates may not be available for various reasons including spring breakup, the gauge being out of service, or data outages.