Dear Irrigators,
We would like to update you on the water supply level as of March 27, 2026Â based on recent information obtained from Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation (AG&I).
Current storage levels within the District’s reservoirs are at 246,000 acre-feet, which represents 80% of the Full Supply Level (FSL). The Headworks reservoirs, comprised of the Waterton, St. Mary and Milk River Ridge reservoirs, are sitting at a combined storage of 374,000 acre-feet, or 77% of the FSL. The current total of all of the storage in the St. Mary Project reservoirs is 620,000 acre-feet or 79% of FSL.
Below is the most recent Snowpack data supplied by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, Snowpacks for Snow Pillows at Akamina, Flat Top and Many Glacier:
Since the February Water Supply update, the Akamina Snow Pillow reported significant gains, peaking at ~250mm of Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) on March 12. The most recent reports show that Akamina has lost ~55 mm of this SWE as of March 27, 2026.
The largest contributor to our water supply, Flat Top Mountain has made modest gains since the February update and continues to report above the lower quartile.
The Many Glacier snow pillow is reporting well below the lower quartile and has accumulated substantially less SWE than this time last year.
Warmer temperatures this winter resulted in a significant amount of melting and runoff, which was captured in Headworks Reservoirs, adding 155,000 ac-ft of stored water to the St. Mary Project over winter 2025-2026.
Considering this year’s snowpack data, modelling data from AG&I, existing storage and year-end storage targets, the Board has set allocation for the 2026 irrigation season at 14 inches from the farm gate.
We will continue publish timely monthly updates throughout the irrigation season and inform of the start up date for the district in the coming weeks.
Please note the 2026 AGM will take place on June 4, due to our new fiscal year-end of December 31.
Sincerely,
David Westwood
General Manager
St. Mary River Irrigation District