May 5 to 8 Storm in Southern Alberta

A spring snowstorm brought significant precipitation to southern Alberta early in May. The heaviest hit areas were west of a Sundre-Calgary-Lethbridge line, where upwards of 40 mm of snow water equivalent fell in the foothills and 40-70 mm was recorded in the higher elevations of the Oldman River basin (Figure 1). This storm occurred after the data was collected and as a result, was not included in the May Water Supply Forecasts. The basins most impacted from this storm, in terms of water supply, are the Highwood, Elbow, Oldman and Upper Red Deer Rivers. Significant runoff is expected in these regions and will impact the water supply forecasts issued on May 1. Check our Forecaster's Comments for updated information regarding runoff conditions.