Water Supply Outlook for Alberta

February 2006

Mountain Water Supply Forecast Summary

As of February 1, 2006, natural runoff volumes are forecast to be below average for the Milk, Red Deer and North Saskatchewan River basins for the March to September 2006 period. In the Bow and Oldman River basins, natural runoff volumes ranging from below average to average are expected. (Table 1).

Mountain snowpack conditions are generally above average in the Oldman and Elbow River basins, average in the Kananaskis area, below average in the remainder of the Bow River basin, and below to much below average in the North Saskatchewan and Red Deer River basins. Lower elevation basins, such as the Milk and Belly River basins, have lesser snowpack as well.

Water Survey of Canada has updated their runoff volume data for 2005. Natural volumes calculated based on this data is available in (Table 2). This 2005 data is referenced in the basin forecast tables of this report.

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.


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