University of Saskatchewan professor John Pomeroy says traditional weather patterns are shifting in Alberta due to climate change, which will make it necessary to build infrastructure better able to capture earlier spring runoff.  |  File photo

Water expert warns of changes in runoff, demand

Canada Research Chair in Water Resources says mountain runoff in the future may come too soon for adequate capture

MEDICINE HAT — It will be increasingly difficult to predict conditions on southern Alberta rivers, according to John Pomeroy, and the University of Saskatchewan professor is confident that there will be changes to mountain runoff in coming years. Pomeroy, who also holds the title of Canada Research Chair in Water Resources and Climate Change, said […] Read more


Crops like barley and wheat have a better chance in dry times compared to water-demanding crops like corn and potatoes.  |   File photo

Irrigators plan for a dry year if conditions hold

Crop types that require less water can reduce growers’ exposure to below normal precipitation and runoff

Soil moisture and precipitation in Alberta are far from ideal for field crops and even irrigated land had challenges in the last growing season — a situation that had many producers talking options during the Ag Connections conference in Medicine Hat in November. “This is the first year that we’ve ever talked about water shutoffs […] Read more


Small buildups of snow that repeatedly melt and freeze on the surface layer of the soil creates a barrier that reduces the infiltration potential of soils. |  Photo supplied by Phillip Harder

Soil-moisture management in dry times

Soil cores can be used to see if a field has enough moisture reserves to carry a crop, or if fertilizer rates should be cut

Prairie farmers who dealt with drought during the summer are now facing a soil moisture deficit in several areas as they cross their fingers for snowfall needed to help launch next spring’s growing season. Although precipitation this fall boosted soil moisture in some areas, “there’s definitely these pockets that have been extremely dry,” said Phillip […] Read more