A frantic telegram from Rocky Mountain House alerted local authorities to the flood's arrival.

[3] At its highest point the river was estimated to have risen to over 13 metres (42 ft) above the low water level.

[4] Thousands of Edmonton residents watched the flood destroy lumber mills along the city's river valley.

[3][5] At the time the river valley was a hub of the city's industrial activity, including lumber and boatbuilding businesses, brick yards, coal and gold mining, and breweries, many of which were severely damaged, suffering enormous losses.

The Edmonton Bulletin estimated damage to the businesses and homes to total three-quarters of a million dollars, all without flood insurance.