Current Water Levels

A network of 18 dams and reservoirs manage and coordinate flows in the Columbia River system in Canada. Storing water behind dams in reservoirs and releasing it later – when it’s needed for power, flood control, irrigation, fisheries, recreation and transportation – means water levels will change.

In winter, reservoirs are drawn down and water is released to meet the need for hydroelectricity. By spring freshet, reservoir levels are much lower and the cycle begins again as melting snowpack refills the reservoirs. Reservoir and lake levels in your region also fluctuate due to weather conditions (i.e., wet or dry) and the time of year.

• Brochure: Columbia River Basin: Dams and Hydroelectricity
• Brochure: Water in the Columbia Basin

Water Level Information

Contact BC Hydro or FortisBC for information on current water levels.

• BC Hydro – 1.877.924.2444
  • Subscribe to BC Hydro email updates on the Lower Columbia reservoir level forecasts and other information.
  • Subscribe to BC Hydro email updates on the Upper Columbia reservoir level forecasts and other information.
• FortisBC –1.866.436.7847

Other Water Level Resources

• BC River Forecast Centre
• Canadian Real-Time River Data
• Libby Dam Flow Update
• USGS Columbia River Levels at International Boundary

Maps

• Click here to view real-time updates of water levels from across the Basin.
• Click here to see how water levels change throughout the year in select lakes and reservoirs across the Basin in wet, normal and dry conditions.
• Click here to learn about the Columbia River system including reservoir levels, dams, reservoirs and hydro generation.