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 2025. 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 2025

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

Flow estimates for the previous year 2024

Week Flow (m3/s) Week Flow (m3/s)
1 161 27 1010
2 157 28 1240
3 155 29 909
4 152 30 709
5 119 31 972
6 115 32 1150
7 110 33 762
8 151 34 624
9 151 35 661
10 153 36 674
11 154 37 498
12 106 38 423
13 116 39 347
14 155 40 321
15 155 41 453
16 155 42 360
17 155 43 387
18 155 44 404
19 155 45 334
20 450 46 306
21 502 47 250
22 731 48 212
23 900 49 201
24 1140 50 184
25 1250 51 178
26 1070 52 185

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