Water Supply Outlook for Alberta

April 2002

Water Supply Forecast Summary

Despite good snow accumulation at the higher elevations, the April 1, 2002 water supply forecast is for much-below-average natural runoff volumes in the Milk River basin, and below-average in the Oldman, Bow, Red Deer and North Saskatchewan River basins (Table 1).

April forecast volumes increased from last month's in most areas, with the largest increases (5 to 8 %) occurring in the Oldman River basin. The major reasons for the below-average forecasts are the extreme soil moisture deficit that exists and that the snowpack below 6000 feet is at best average in most locations. However, the forecast volumes produced on April 1 are generally 15 to 30% higher than the recorded March to September 2001 natural runoff volumes.

These forecasts assume that precipitation over the summer period will be normal. Precipitation will have a major impact on the summer water supply forecast between now and the end of September. Streamflow volume forecasts will be updated monthly until mid-summer. Check our Forecaster's Comments throughout the month for updated information regarding runoff conditions.


For technical enquires about this web page please contact Alberta Environment - Environmental Management Water Management Operations Branch at AENV-WebWS@gov.ab.ca