Nibi Metrics
Real-time water levels, forecasts, and alerts for lakes and rivers across Canada and the US. Built on official government data.
Nibi Metrics turns raw gauge readings from official hydrometric networks into something a person standing on a dock can actually use: is the water high or low for today, which way is it moving, and how unusual is this? This page explains where every number on the platform comes from and what we do to it along the way.
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Sylvan Lake Water Level
Live lake level, flow, historical records and forecast for Sylvan Lake in 39-1,2-W5, AB, Canada, built from official government gauge data.
- Location 39-1,2-W5, AB, Canada
- Watershed upper red deer blindman
- Primary gauge 05CC003 (Water Survey of Canada)
About Sylvan Lake
Sylvan Lake - a sprawling jewel in the Alberta foothills.
Sylvan Lake is a prominent waterbody situated in central Alberta, within the Upper Red Deer - Blindman watershed. This lake serves as an essential recreational site, attracting visitors for various activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing. The surrounding area is characterized by its gently rolling landscape, offering a scenic backdrop for those enjoying the outdoors.
The watershed context
Sylvan Lake drains roughly 148 square kilometres above the station, contributing to the environmental health of the region. Fed primarily by spring runoff from melting mountain snow, the lake experiences seasonal fluctuations in water level, peaking in late spring. Additionally, summer convective storms may bring sudden inflows, impacting local water levels and creating lively conditions for residents and wildlife alike. Peer bodies of water, like Gull Lake and the Red Deer River, enrich the hydrology of the area, allowing for diverse ecosystems to thrive.
Why the data matters here
Today's reading from the water level gauge is an essential indicator of Sylvan Lake's overall health, particularly when compared to the historical median for this date over 48 years, as measured by the Water Survey of Canada. Understanding how today's elevation stacks up against the median provides insight into seasonal trends and potential impacts on fish habitats, local recreational activities, and the surrounding environment. Tracking these changes helps both residents and visitors appreciate the dynamics at play in this vital water resource.
How this page is built
Readings come from official government gauges and are rolled into daily records: the daily mean, high and low for every day on record. Each calendar day gets its own baseline from the full history, so the level you see is compared against what this specific date usually looks like rather than an annual average.
How Nibi Metrics works · Water stories
