Water Supply Outlook for Alberta

July 2008

Milk River Basin - Water Supply Forecasts

As of July 1, 2008, below normal natural runoff volumes are forecast for the March to September 2008 period in the Milk River basin, except normal at Western Crossing (Table 2a). Current forecasts in the basin range from 70 to 109% of the median. For the Milk River at Milk River, current forecasted values for the March to September 2008 period would rank 33rd lowest in 91 years of record (1912-2001).

Forecasts are 13 to 38% higher than those published on May 1. Precipitation during May and June has been much above normal.

The first four months of the forecast period have been completed, with March-June 2008 recorded natural runoff volumes ranging from 74 to 112% of median, which ranges from below normal (Eastern Crossing) to slightly above normal (Western Crossing). Recorded volume data is preliminary and is subject to change. The volume forecast for the remainder of the year is available in Table 2b. These July to September 2008 forecasts range from below normal to normal natural runoff volumes.


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