Drought

Understanding Droughts in Alberta

The Government of Alberta has been carefully monitor mountain snowpack, precipitation, river levels and other key data to further understand drought conditions and provide information to residents throughout the Province. 

Drought conditions are caused by a depletion in the availability of water over a large physical area for an extended period of time. These conditions can be caused by below average levels of precipitation, river flow and ground water. A drought can last anywhere from weeks to months, and extended periods can lead into multi-year droughts if the region is consistently not getting enough moisture.  

What Are We Seeing?

  • Decreased snowfall, averaging well below the recorded snowfall average. 
  • Natural river flows are low. 
  • Mountain snowpacks are trending below average. The snow season generally is at a peak between March and April. This snowpack provides much of Drumheller’s water throughout the summer, as well as to those upstream and downstream.  
  • El Nino winters produce warm and dry winters throughout Alberta. 
  • Reservoir storage in watersheds upstream of Drumheller ranges from average to slightly below average.  

How Are We Preparing?

Monitoring and preparing

Although the risk of drought is elevated, flooding is also possible depending on the progression of the weather throughout the spring and summer. Our teams are continuing to monitor weather conditions closely, while preparing to take steps for both drought, flood, or other extreme climate conditions such as extreme heat with the potential to amplify drought, wildfires and smoke hazards.  

Working with the Government of Alberta and water sharing partners

The Government of Alberta has been working with municipalities to facilitate the creation of Water Sharing Agreements. These agreements outline how license holders will cooperatively work together to share and attempt to diminish the impacts of the water shortage.  

Preparing for outdoor water restrictions

If ample amounts of precipitation are not received, the Government of Alberta is advising municipalities to prepare for outdoor water restrictions. The timeframe in which these restrictions could be in place for could vary based on the precipitation levels and progression of the spring and summer months. All residents and businesses will remain informed as conditions and restrictions evolve.  

Water Conservation Guidelines

The Town of Drumheller’s drinking water comes from the Red Deer River and, during periods of low rainfall, drought, or emergencies, there is the potential for water shortages. It is important that water conservation is observed and that proactive measures are taken to prevent serious water shortages in the future.

Check back soon for Water Restrictions Stages

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