Spring runoff report for local regions

By Medicine Hat News on March 19, 2021.

Spring runoff is complete in the plains region between Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, Brooks and the U.S. border, according to the snow course assessment Alberta Environment and Parks completed in mid-March.

The document also predicts a normal amount of runoff from the spring thaw still coming from the Cypress Hills and areas along the Saskatchewan boundary.

Most of central Alberta is predicted to see a normal year as well, with northwestern regions of the province considered drier than usual.

In terms of mountain runoff and river supply this summer, the province improved its general outlook for three main river systems in southern Alberta. The Milk, Oldman and Bow rivers are all now expected to see average to above average water volume from March to September.

The Saskatchewan Water authority has updated its runoff summary for the southwest region, confirming average amounts south of the Cypress Hills and north of Leader. A much drier band extends from Maple Creek to south of Swift Current and then south to near Val Marie.

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