Reservoir Storage Conditions

As of June 1, 2002, water storage levels in the major irrigation reservoirs in the Oldman River basin are below-normal, with the exception of Keho Reservoir, which is above-normal and Waterton Reservoir, which is normal for this time of the year (Table 1). Storage levels increased substantially in the Oldman River basin, particularly in the last week of May as a result of snowmelt from the mountain and foothill region. Reservoir levels will continue to increase in June as a result of snowmelt from the higher elevations.

Water storage as of June 1, 2002 in the major irrigation and hydroelectric reservoirs in the Bow (Table 2) and Red Deer
(Table 3) River basins are below-normal for this time of the season except for Lake Newell and Crawling Valley Reservoir, which are normal. Storage in most reservoirs is less than last year at this time. Mountain snowpack is an important source of water supply to reservoirs in the province.

Water storage in the North Saskatchewan River basins major hydroelectric reservoirs is normal for this time of the year
(Table 4).