Oldman River Dam Reservoir re-opened

Para-skier at Windy Point, Oldman Dam Provincial Recreation Area
C. Davis file photo

The Oldman River Dam reservoir and its associated boat launches have now re-opened.

Waterborne debris resulting from last June's flooding event resulted in the closure of the Oldman River Dam Reservoir for public use last July. Boaters are advised to exercise caution when using the re-opened reservoir as there are still some large logs and debris in the water that could be hazardous.

Cottonwood Campground, which is located near the base of the dam, will open May 15, 2014. The bridge over the Oldman River that leads to the Cottonwood Campground from Highway 3 via Range Road 29-3 was damaged in last year's flooding eventand remains closed. The campground is only accessible from the south. From Highway 3 turn north onto Highway 785 and then east Range Road 29-3, just north of the dam, into the river valley.


The bridge closure means that campers have to travel farther to access showers and the sewage disposal station at Chinook RV Campground on the north side of the river. To access these facilities, return to Highway 3, go west, turn north on Highway 785; just after crossing the dam, turn right off Highway 785 onto Oldman Road (approximately 15 km). The nearby Town of Pincher Creek also offers services alternatives.

Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resources (AESRD) has a web page outlining which public land and trail areas in Alberta are currently closed or offering only limited access.  Click here for that web page.  In addition, Alberta Parks has a public advisory page, click here for that.

Be advised that access points to rivers in Southern Alberta may be closed or unsafe to access due to flooding. Current closures include the McKinnon Flats and Policeman’s Flats river access launch areas.

Related links/sources:

Oldman Dam Provincial Recreation Area

Cottonwood Campground

AESRD

Alberta Parks Advisories