Elbow River

Elbow River in Calgary

Elbow River in the catchment area of the Bow River

The Elbow River ( english elbow for elbow) is a 120 km long river in the Canadian province of Alberta.

Geography

The Elbow River originates from the Elbow Lake at Elbow Pass in the Canadian Rockies. This is among others from the Rae Glacier at 3218 m high Mount Rae. Just before it flows into the Bow River in Calgary, the Elbow River is dammed to Glenmore Reservoir.

Due to the length of 120 kilometers resulting from the source to more than 2100 meters above sea level to the mouth to about 1000 meters, an average gradient of nearly one percent.

Flood 2013

In July 2013 heavy rainfall led to flooding in Alberta in numerous rivers. The Elbow River flooded along with much of the Bow River in Calgary, 75,000 residents were forced to leave their homes. Near the village of Bragg Creek, the discharge flow of the Elbow River reached at least 513 m³ / s Thus, the value of the flood of 2005, which was already considered 100 - year flood was (308 m³ / s) significantly exceeded.

Tributaries

  • Cougar Creek
  • Little Elbow River
  • Ford Creek
  • Quirk Creek
  • Powder Face Creek
  • Prairie Creek
  • New Year's Creek
  • Ranger Creek
  • McLean Creek
  • Connop Creek
  • Iron Creek
  • Bragg Creek
  • Harris Creek
  • Pirmez Creek
  • Millburn Creek
  • Springbank Creek
  • Cullen Creek
  • May Creek
  • Lott Creek

Gallery

Elbow Falls

Glenmore Reservoir

Confluence with the Bow River (bottom of picture)

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