Dear Irrigators,
We would like to update you on the water supply level as of November 28, 2025 based on recent information obtained from Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation.
Current storage levels within the District’s reservoirs are at 246,000 acre-feet, which represents 78% 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 251,000 acre-feet, or 52% of the FSL. The current total of all of the storage in the St. Mary Project reservoirs is 497,000 acre-feet or 62% of FSL.
Alberta Rivers and Basins report Waterton Reservoir at 40% and St. Mary Reservoir at 38% of design FSL (Irrigation Storage), having made minor gains over the past month. Ridge Reservoir at 88% of design FSL (Irrigation Storage) with adequate capacity for irrigation startup in the spring. All three headworks reservoirs are within in the upper and lower quartile.
Snowfall is beginning to accumulate in all three snowpacks as shown in the graphs included. However, the majority of the snowfall is not typically received until February – April. Snow Pillow information can be monitored at Alberta Environment and Parks.
Below is the most recent Snowpack data supplied by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas for Akamina, Flattop and Many Glacier.
Akamina’s Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) is significantly lower at this time, compared to 2024.
Flat Top is within the upper and lower quartiles but is currently lower than this time in 2024.
Many Glacier is below the lower quartile and significantly lower than this time in 2024.
While it is still too early to predict snowpack and water allocation for the 2026 irrigation season, we will continue to closely monitor the snowpack and precipitation levels in the coming months and provide updates on to irrigators through email and website updates.
Sincerely,
David Westwood
General Manager
St. Mary River Irrigation District