Mountain Water Supply Forecast Summary

As of February 1, 2005, natural runoff volumes are forecast to be below to much below average for the Oldman River basin, below average for the Milk River basin, and near average for the Bow, Red Deer and North Saskatchewan River basins for the March to September 2005 period (Table 1).

Significant melting of the mountain snowpacks in the Oldman River basin during mid to late January resulted in natural runoff volume forecasts near the 20th lowest in 91 years of record for the March through September 2005 period. Remaining mountain snow accumulations are below to much below average in the Oldman River basin. Mountain snowpack conditions elsewhere are generally average in the North Saskatchewan and Red Deer River basins and in the northern half of the Bow River basin, and below average in the southern half of the Bow River basin.

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.