The Flood

A Brief Chronology

Sunday, June 27

• 2am: John Walter receives a phone call at 2am from Rocky Mountain House stating that the river had risen. “My God, Edmonton, look out; the river is up 20 feet and still jumping!”
• 6am: River begins to rise in Edmonton. John Walter contacts Mayor William T. Henry who has the police and fire department spread a flood warning and prepare for evacuation.
• 6pm: Water from the North Saskatchewan River has climbed over banks and is creeping into homes built near the river.

Monday, June 28

• 3:30am: The North Saskatchewan River has climbed 17 feet and is rising approximately 1 foot every hour.

“Saskatchewan River Was 24 Feet Above Low Water Mark Last Night”
Edmonton Bulletin Morning Edition, June 28, 1915, page 1

• 11am: The North Saskatchewan River has risen 24 feet and the City puts out a call for help with evacuation and relief.

  “Work Relief Went All Day Without Stop”
  Edmonton Bulletin June 29, 1915, page 1

  “Woman And Four Children Rescued By A Policeman”
  Edmonton Bulletin June 29, 1915, page 1

• noon: The Low Level Bridge is closed to all traffic.
• 10pm: The City Power Plant is flooded and as a result there is no power for Edmonton.

  “Thank You”
  Edmonton Bulletin June 29, 1915, page 1

  “Power Plant In Danger”
  Edmonton Bulletin June 29, 1915, page 1

• 11:30pm: The City Pumping Plant is closed. As a result there is no drinking water available for Edmontonians.
• midnight: Debris from the North Saskatchewan River is higher than the railings of the Low Level Bridge.

Tuesday, June 29

• 3am: The North Saskatchewan River peaks at over 45 feet (10 meters) above the low water mark.
• 9:30am: Part of the City Power Plant is refired.
• 10:30pm: All power is restored to Edmonton.

Wednesday, June 30

• 3am: The river has dropped 20 feet.
• 7am: Water is once again available, though it is very silty.

  "Boil The Water"
  Edmonton Bulletin July 1, 1915, page 1

Tuesday, July 6

• Most of the flood victims are expected to be able to return to their homes.

"Flood Victims Back In Homes"
Edmonton Bulletin July 2, 1915, page 1