The Flood

A Brief Chronology

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.

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.

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.

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