FlowAi forecasts are for information only
Version: 2026-10-10
FlowAi produces river flow forecasts using computer models. River levels are shown as observed; FlowAi does not forecast them. The forecasts are for information only.
Expect forecasts to differ from what the river does. Every forecast has two kinds of error:
- model error: the model simplifies how a watershed works, so it is wrong in consistent ways at some gauges and in some seasons. Ice, debris, dams and other controls, tile drainage, snowmelt and heavy local rain are examples of things it may miss;
- input error: the model runs on weather forecasts and gauge measurements from third parties (see below). These can be late, missing, unverified or wrong, and the forecast inherits their errors.
Because of both, actual flows and levels will differ from the forecast, sometimes by a lot, and can rise or fall faster or slower, and higher or lower, than any forecast shown. Errors are usually larger further ahead and at the peaks that matter most.
Use at your own risk. You accept all responsibility for how you use and interpret FlowAi forecasts and for any decision you make with them, personal or business. FlowAi is not responsible for the consequences of inaccurate, late or missing forecasts. Forecasts are provided “as is”, without any warranty, to the extent the law allows (see the Terms of Service, section 15).
Not for life-safety decisions. FlowAi is not an emergency warning system. Do not use it as the basis for evacuations, rescues, dam operations or any decision where a wrong forecast could harm people. FlowAi does not replace official forecasts, flood messages or advisories. Always follow the official flood messages issued by the flood forecasting or emergency management authority for your area (such as your conservation authority, municipality or provincial government). If an official message differs from a FlowAi forecast, follow the official message. Each gauge page links to the official flood messages for its area.
No alert does not mean no flood. A low forecast, or the absence of a FlowAi alert, does not mean you are safe. Forecasts can miss a rise, and alerts can be late, missed or undelivered.
Don't rely on FlowAi alone. Use it alongside official messages, weather forecasts and what you see yourself. You are primarily responsible for your own safety, the safety of others in your care, and your property.
Quality is shown, not hidden.Every modelled gauge (a gauge with a FlowAi forecast) shows its validation status and skill, including how well the model did at each lead day when tested on past data. Some gauges have lower skill, or haven't passed all our checks; we still show them, and we show the skill first. Please read a gauge's status before relying on it. Skill on past data does not guarantee the same result in future, especially in unusual events such as record floods.
Forecasts are automatic. They are generated without review by a person. We aim to issue a new forecast each day, but there is no set schedule and no guarantee: forecasts can be delayed, skipped or out of date. Every forecast shows when it was issued, and we show a notice when it is stale. An older forecast is no longer valid once a newer one is issued. Missing data is shown as missing, not filled in.
Observations come from the Water Survey of Canada and other providers. Real-time readings are collected automatically at remote stations, are provisional and unverified, and may be revised later. Each gauge page links to the provider's own page for that station.
How the forecasts are made is described on our methods page, with each modelled gauge's validation results.
Legal effect. This disclaimer is part of the FlowAi Terms of Service, including the limits on our liability, which apply to every kind of claim including negligence. You accept it when you sign up; forecasts are shown only to signed-in users. Rights that the law does not allow to be waived are not affected.