Dear Irrigators,
Our operations teams are working hard to prepare for the upcoming irrigation season.
SMRID crews have started flushing lines and are charging our system in preparation for water startup. We expect water will be available across the entire district, by May 5th-9th.
Please be advised that we are now accepting water orders. Ordering water now does not guarantee immediate availability, but it does help us prepare for demand once water is available across the District.
If you are interested in ordering water, please contact your Water Coordinator VIA text message.
Please do not phone your water coordinator during this busy time, as they are working hard to ensure your system is prepped for the upcoming irrigation season.
Based on the most recent Irrigation Water Supply Forecast supplied by Alberta Agriculture & Irrigation, the supply volume is consistent with the previous forecast, published April 2, 2025. Water allocation remains at 12” at the farm gate for the 2025 irrigation season.
The storage in the Headworks reservoirs is at 287,000 ac-ft or 62% of full supply limit (FSL), SMRID reservoirs are at 83% of FLS (265,000 ac-ft), and the St. Mary Project total storage is at 70% of FSL (550,000 ac-ft).
Below is Snowpack data supplied by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, for Snow Pillows at Akamina, Flat Top and Many Glacier:
The Akamina Snow Pillow continued to fluctuate through April and has not started dropping significantly yet due to cooler temperatures.
Flat Top Snow Pillow remains at the lower quartile at this time.
Many Glacier Snow Pillow, being at a lower elevation, is trending downward closely following the lower quartile.
We will continue to publish monthly water supply updates and keep irrigators informed as the irrigation season progresses.
Sincerely,
David Westwood
General Manager
St. Mary River Irrigation District