Mountain Water Supply Forecast Summary

As of March 1, 2007, natural runoff volumes are forecast to be generally above average for the Red Deer River basin, average to above average for the Bow River basin, average for the North Saskatchewan River basin, and below average to average for the Oldman and Milk River basins for the March to September 2007 period (Table 1). Forecasted volumes have increased since February 1 in most basins, however they have decreased slightly in the North Saskatchewan River basin.

Snow accumulations in the mountains as of March 1, 2007 generally improve moving from north to south and at higher elevations. Snowpack measured in the Red Deer and Athabasca River basins generally ranked among the five highest in up to 33 years of record. Measured snowpacks are generally above to much above average in upper Bow and North Saskatchewan River basins, and average to above average in the Elbow, Highwood and Oldman River basins. Snowpack at lower elevations of many of these basins is below average to average.

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.