Dear Irrigators,
We would like to update you on the water supply level as of February 28, 2025, based on recent information obtained from Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation (AGI).
AGI reservoirs have held steady over the past month. The headworks reservoirs normally do not see significant change during the winter months. As reported in January, current storage levels within the District’s reservoirs are at 256,000 acre-feet, (81% FSL), Headworks reservoirs, comprised of the Waterton, St. Mary and Milk River Ridge reservoirs, currently contain 257,000 acre-feet of storage (66% FSL), and the current total of all of the storage in the St. Mary Project reservoirs is 513,000 acre-feet (63% FSL).
Please note we target our winter storage levels lower than FSL to accommodate spring run off and precipitation events. We are currently at 84% of our combined Headworks and District reservoirs winter storage target levels. SMRID reservoirs remain at our winter target levels.
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. All 3 snowpacks are reporting below the lower quartile but have continued to make modest gains.
The Akamina snow pillow is recording below the lower quartile, but well above last year’s accumulation.
Flat Top Mountain snow pillow is showing similar Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) to last year.
The Many Glacier snow pillow is reporting below the lower quartile, but above last year’s SWE. Up-to-date Snow Pillow information can be monitored at Alberta Environment and Parks.
Flat Top Mountain is the largest contributor to our water supply. While the Snowpacks are reporting similar to 2024, the Storage levels at Headworks and District reservoirs are significantly better than last year.
It is still too early to predict what the water allocation will be for the 2025 irrigation season. However, we expect to receive additional modelling data from AGI in the coming months which will inform the Board’s decision for Allocation in 2025. We will continue to closely monitor the snowpack and precipitation levels in March and April and publish timely monthly updates.
Sincerely,
David Westwood
General Manager
St. Mary River Irrigation District