The Elbow River is a significant waterway in southern Alberta, Canada. Flowing from the Canadian Rockies, it passes through various ecological regions before merging into the Bow River in Calgary. The river is not only a crucial water source but also an important recreational and cultural landmark.
Course of the Elbow River
The Elbow River originates at Elbow Lake in the Front Range of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, draining a watershed of approximately 1,235 km².
River Statistics
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Length | 120 km (75 mi) |
| Watershed Area | 1,235 km² (460 mi²) |
| Elevation at Source | 2,100 m (6,900 ft) |
| Elevation at Mouth | 1,040 m (3,410 ft) |
| Total Elevation Drop | 1,060 m (3,480 ft) |
| Average Slope | 1% |
Key Locations Along the River
- Elbow Falls (Upper Course)
- Bragg Creek (Hamlet)
- Springbank (Rural Community)
- Tsuut’ina Nation 145 Indian Reserve
- Weaselhead Flats (Artificial Inland Delta)
- Glenmore Reservoir (Major Water Source for Calgary)
- Downtown Calgary (Final stretch before merging with the Bow River)
Tributaries of the Elbow River
The Elbow River has multiple tributaries that contribute to its flow.
- Little Elbow River
- Quirk Creek
- Canyon Creek
- Iron Creek
- Bragg Creek
- Harris Creek
- Pirmez Creek
- Millburn Creek
- Springbank Creek
- Cullen Creek
- May Creek
- Lott Creek
Flora and Fauna
The Elbow River supports a diverse ecosystem with different types of vegetation:
| Tree Species | Scientific Name |
|---|---|
| Trembling Aspen | Populus tremuloides |
| Balsam Poplar | Populus balsamifera |
| Lodgepole Pine | Pinus contorta |
| White Spruce | Picea glauca |
The surrounding soil types include black chernozemics, orthic gray luvisols, eutric brunisols, and coarse loam over glaciofluvial gravels.
Land Use in the Watershed
- Recreation: Camping, hiking, biking, equestrian activities, off-road vehicles
- Resource Use: Logging, oil and gas production, cattle grazing leases
Human Influence
The Elbow River plays an essential role in human settlement and urban development in Alberta.
| Community | Population | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bragg Creek | ~580 | Rural community in the foothills |
| Redwood Meadows | ~980 | Community along the river |
| Tsuut’ina Nation 145 | Indigenous Reserve | Large section along the river |
| Calgary | ~1.2 million | Major urban center |
Fort Calgary, established in 1873 by the North-West Mounted Police, was built at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers and became the foundation of modern Calgary.
Water Quality
The Elbow River supplies approximately 40% of Calgary’s drinking water. To maintain water quality, multiple organizations conduct water sampling programs, including:
- Government of Alberta
- Rocky View County
- University of Calgary
- City of Calgary
Currently, seven sites in the Elbow River mainstem and four sites in the Glenmore Reservoir are actively monitored.
Recreational Activities
The Elbow River is a favorite spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the key attractions include:
- Elbow Falls: A scenic waterfall
- Forgetmenot Pond: A popular spot for camping and picnicking
- Riverside Trails: Used for canoeing, rafting, and fishing
Fishing Regulations
Read Elbow river Fishing Regulations
Species Available
- Common species include:
- Brown trout
- Rainbow Trout
- Cutthroat Trout
- Mountain Whitefish
Conclusion
The Elbow River is a vital waterway for Alberta’s ecosystem, human settlement, and recreation. From its source in the Rocky Mountains to its confluence with the Bow River, it remains an integral part of Calgary’s history and environmental sustainability.