Snowpack in the mountains near Okotoks is lower than it was at this time last year, but the Town’s water manager says it's too early to tell if there will be a water shortage this summer.
Current data from Alberta Environment shows snowpack at Mount Odlum, near the headwaters of the Sheep River, is well below historical norms and is lower than it was last January, when most of the province faced the prospect of serious drought.
Early last year, the Province created a Drought Command Team and initiated water sharing agreements, warning municipalities to prepare for a severe drought. All of Alberta was moved to Stage 4, the second-highest stage, in its drought response plan.
Okotoks water manager Davey Robertson said although the current snowpack is lower, the situation can change rapidly, especially in the spring.
“It's a bit early to sort of start really making those predictions, in terms of what the spring is going to look like,” Robertson said.
Despite being below-average for much of the winter, snow depth at Mount Odlum rapidly increased to average levels beginning in March last year.
"That March-to-May period is critical for seeing the snowpack increase, so it’s a wait and see approach,” Robertson said.
Further predictions are made in a water supply outlook from the Province, typically made available in January or February, but not yet released, he said.
The Town monitors snow depth and river flows year-round, and has measures in place to help manage water supply, including a water shortage response plan, he said.
Proactive measures and community engagement help ensure a sustainable water supply, even in the face of potential drought, he said.
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