North Saskatchewan River — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in the North Saskatchewan River, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in the North Saskatchewan River today is 16.1°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 60°F (15°C) to 65°F (18°C). The water is comfortable for most people, making it an ideal range for water sports enthusiasts. The temperature does not cause significant discomfort, and swimming will be pleasant for the majority. However, it's important to remember that prolonged exposure to the water can still lead to cooling, so it's essential to monitor the time spent in the water, especially for children or elderly people. It is important to note that these swimming tips and recommendations apply only in good weather. When the air temperature is below 68°F (20°C), and sometimes even below 77°F (25°C), swimming can be unpleasant even with relatively high water temperatures.
Water Temperature Chart Over the Last 30 Days
Table of Daily Sea Temperature Data
| Date | Current | Average | Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUG 17 | 15.8°C | 19.9°C | |
| AUG 18 | 16.0°C | 19.9°C | |
| AUG 19 | 15.2°C | 19.9°C | |
| AUG 20 | 15.2°C | 19.9°C | |
| AUG 21 | 15.6°C | 19.9°C | |
| AUG 22 | 15.8°C | 19.9°C | |
| AUG 23 | 16.0°C | 19.9°C | |
| AUG 24 | 16.0°C | 19.9°C | |
| AUG 25 | 19.9°C | 16.3°C | |
| AUG 26 | 19.9°C | 16.5°C | |
| AUG 27 | 19.9°C | 16.7°C | |
| AUG 28 | 19.9°C | 16.9°C | |
| AUG 29 | 19.9°C | 17.1°C | |
| AUG 30 | 19.9°C | 17.2°C | |
| AUG 31 | 19.9°C | 17.4°C |
* Current - Actual water temperature value
** Average - Average water temperature on this day in recent years
*** Forecast - Our water temperature forecast
Actual nearshore water temperatures may fluctuate by several degrees from the reported values, especially following heavy rainfall or extended periods of strong winds. Certain wind patterns can cause colder, deeper waters to rise and replace the sun-warmed surface water, leading to noticeable variations.
Our forecast is based on a proprietary mathematical model that considers real-time water temperature changes, historical trends, key weather patterns, wind strength and direction, and air temperature specific to each region. Additionally, we incorporate data from other resorts to enhance accuracy.
Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)
| Month | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0°C | 3°C | 4°C |
| February | 0°C | 3°C | 4°C |
| March | 0°C | 3°C | 5°C |
| April | 0°C | 5°C | 11°C |
| May | 4°C | 8°C | 15°C |
| June | 7°C | 14°C | 18°C |
| July | 14°C | 19°C | 23°C |
| August | 15°C | 20°C | 24°C |
| September | 11°C | 16°C | 20°C |
| October | 7°C | 12°C | 16°C |
| November | 2°C | 7°C | 11°C |
| December | 0°C | 3°C | 6°C |
North Saskatchewan River: Water Temperature by Location
North Saskatchewan River: Weather Forecast
August 25
August 26
August 27
August 28
August 29
Location & Local Information
Source Rocky Mountains
• location Saskatchewan Glacier, Alberta
• coordinates 52°09′22″N 117°10′54″W
• elevation 2,080 m (6,820 ft)
Mouth Saskatchewan River
• location Saskatchewan River Forks, Saskatchewan
• coordinates 53°14′07″N 105°04′58″W
• elevation 380 m (1,250 ft)
Length 1,287 km (800 mi)
The North Saskatchewan River, flowing from the Rocky Mountains across Alberta, is a large, powerful river characterized by consistently cold water temperatures. In the winter, the water is near freezing, with recorded temperatures near 0∘C (32∘F), leading to ice formation. Even during the peak summer months, surface temperatures rarely rise much above the range of 15∘C to 20∘C (59∘F to 68∘F), which is cold enough to induce cold shock and hypothermia quickly.
Swimming in the North Saskatchewan River is strongly discouraged and inherently risky, though not explicitly illegal in all stretches. Local authorities, such as the City of Edmonton, advise against unassisted swimming due to significant hazards. These dangers include fast underwater currents and strong undertows that can quickly overwhelm a swimmer, as well as unpredictable water quality fluctuations and hidden debris like floating trees. Any swimming activity is entirely at one's own risk, and the use of a mandatory Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is required for most floating vessels, underscoring the serious safety concerns.