If the rivers in Calgary look a little high today, don't panic.

The city is conducting a controlled release of water from the Glenmore Reservoir, which will increase the flow in the Elbow River and in turn the Bow River, downstream of Fort Calgary.

Frank Frigo, City of Calgary lead river engineer, says a planned release from the Glenmore Reservoir will raise the Elbow River by about a metre. (CBC)

The release is being done to confirm preliminary findings that the river bed depths and flow rates of the Elbow River in the Mission area have changed. The test will help the city calibrate the flow capacity for the area from 22nd Avenue to 25th Avenue.

City crews will be monitoring the effects of the test from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. when the test is completed.

Frank Frigo, the City of Calgary's lead river engineer, said it's all part of normal preparations for the flood season, which generally goes from May 15 to July 15.

"What Calgarians are going to see is the water level rise by about a metre, so by about three or so feet in most places," he said.

He said the levels will be "significantly less than any actual flood event would trigger."

The water will be high enough to impact pathways along the Elbow, however, so people and pets should stay away from the river edge, the city says.

Frigo said low-lying paths, such as those adjacent to Lindsay Park and under 25th Avenue S.W. will be closed during the release.