Nuclear Impact Analysis · Canada

Is Calgary safe from a nuclear strike?

We modelled the most plausible strategic targets around Calgary and simulated blast, thermal, radiation and fallout effects against its 1,500,000 metro residents.

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MINIMAL RISK

Calgary city centre sits 431.3 km from Malmstrom silo cluster NE, the most plausible strategic target in the area (high targeting confidence). Modelled strike: 800 kt surface burst.

Estimated survival chance at city centre: 99%

Run the interactive simulation for Calgary →

What a strike on Malmstrom silo cluster NE would mean

A 800 kt detonation produces a fireball 1.1 km across in radius. Reinforced concrete fails out to 2.5 km (20 psi). Most residential buildings collapse within 5.1 km (5 psi), and windows shatter dangerously out to 11.5 km (1 psi). Anyone in line of sight within 10.3 km suffers third-degree burns from the thermal pulse.

Because military and hardened targets are typically attacked with surface bursts, fallout matters here: with prevailing winds the dangerous plume would stretch roughly 134 km east of ground zero. Calgary city centre lies outside the projected corridor under these wind assumptions.

Most plausible targets near Calgary

TargetTypeDistanceAssumed yieldConfidence
Malmstrom silo cluster NEmilitary431 km800 kthigh
Malmstrom AFB (ICBM)military446 km800 kthigh
Malmstrom ICBM field (MT)military446 km800 kthigh
Malmstrom silo cluster SWmilitary464 km800 kthigh
Grand Coulee Damenergy493 km150 ktmedium

Key blast radii (800 kt surface burst)

EffectRadiusWhat happens
Fireball1.1 kmComplete vaporisation
20 psi blast2.5 kmHardened structures destroyed, ~100% fatalities
5 psi blast5.1 kmMost buildings collapse, widespread fatalities
3rd-degree burns10.3 kmFull-thickness burns to exposed skin
500 rem radiation2.8 kmLethal dose without medical care
1 psi blast11.5 kmWindow breakage, light damage, glass injuries

How Calgary can prepare

With a population density of 750 people/km², Calgary's outcome would hinge on the first hour. The guidance is identical everywhere: get inside, stay inside, stay tuned. A basement or the core of a large concrete building cuts fallout exposure by a factor of 10 or more, and radiation decays fast — dose rates fall ~90% within the first 7 hours and ~99% within two days.

Check your exact address in Calgary →
Model disclaimer: These are research-grade estimates from open scaling laws (Glasstone & Dolan, 1977), not predictions. Actual outcomes depend on burst height, weapon choice, weather, terrain and sheltering. In any real emergency follow official civil-defence guidance.

Compare with other cities

ChongqingFukuokaNovosibirskWashington, D.C.DallasManchesterMadridStockholm