The snow in crucial areas has melted two to three weeks early, mirroring 2023, which was a “disastrous” year.
Tag Archives water
Mountain snowpack melts early
Levels called two-thirds of normal; early melt similar to what preceded 2023 water shortage
Rain helpful, but drought persists in Saskatchewan
Topsoil moisture is unusually low at University of Saskatchewan site, east of Saskatoon
The good news for farmers in Saskatchewan’s northern grain belt is that showers are forecast over the Father’s Day weekend.
Saskatchewan expects above normal runoff in most of grain belt
Spring runoff in central and southern Saskatchewan is expected to be above average this year.
Snow conditions work in Saskatchewan’s favour this year
A hydrologist says a good snowpack can provide more water than one may think, but steps are needed to keep it in the soil
Water volume trumps water use efficiency, says Philip Harder, research director and hydrological scientist at Croptimistic Technology.
Federal hydrologist goes with the flow
Agriculture Canada scientist takes a meandering path from school to research centre, thanks to classroom outreach work
Kayla Moore works at Agriculture Canada’s research centre in Brandon, where she specializes in hydrology, groundwater and the management of soil moisture on farmland.
Large southern Alberta water users agree to reduce water use in severe drought
Users include participating irrigation districts, municipalities and industries
Thirty-eight of the largest and oldest water licensees in southern Alberta — including irrigation districts — have agreed to reduce their water use if severe drought conditions develop this spring or summer. Described by the province of Alberta as “the largest water-sharing initiative in Alberta’s history,” these agreements are intended to ensure Albertans receive the […] Read more
Three western U.S. states propose additional water cuts
REUTERS — California, Arizona and Nevada have offered what they described as significant concessions on how much Colorado River water they claim as their counterparts nearer the river’s source proposed more modest changes that would protect their rights. The dual proposals renew longstanding tensions between the two groups of states within the Colorado River Compact, […] Read more
Budget boosts Alta. ag budget
Province’s fiscal plan painted a not-so-rosy picture of the state of Albertan agriculture
Response to disasters, water management and irrigation were the agricultural highlights of Alberta’s recently released 2024 provincial budget. The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation’s operating expenses received a bump of 9.7 percent, rising from $77 million in 2023-24 to $870 million for 2024-25. That includes a $49-million increase in reinsurance costs for the Agriculture Financial Services […] Read more
Sask. expects little runoff
REGINA — Saskatchewan producers could experience another drought year in 2024, according to the Water Security Agency’s preliminary runoff report. Spring runoff is expected to be well below normal in most of the province. Snowpack accumulation has been minimal and as of Feb. 1 the entire province is rated well below normal for anticipated runoff […] Read more
Alta. plans water sharing agreements amidst drought scare
MEDICINE HAT — The Alberta government is taking unprecedented steps as the situation unfolding on Alberta rivers and the drought conditions that stretch from Hay River to Milk River reverberate across the province. Provincial environment minister Rebecca Schultz issued a media release today announcing the launch of the largest effort in the province’s history to […] Read more
