October 30, 2024
By Sarah Skinner, BRWA Watershed Programs Manager
The entirety of the Battle River watershed remains under provincial water shortage advisories. The North Saskatchewan River, Battle River, and Sounding Creek watersheds are also currently classified as Stage 2 (Active Management) within the Alberta Drought Response Plan. The criteria for this stage states that “water management thresholds are not being met and stream flows are not forecasted to improve. There is increasing risk to water users and the aquatic environment.”
Water shortage advisories | Alberta drought map | Alberta Drought Response Plan
Data from Oct 29, 2024, show the following flow rates at various sites along the river:
Upstream of Ponoka – 0.00 cubic meters per second (cms)
Highway 21 near Duhamel – 0.23 cms
Highway 53 near Forestburg – 0.00 cms
Highway 872 near Brownfield – 0.00 cms
Near SK border – 0.64 cms
Fall has been relatively wet, which has helped replenish soil moisture reserves significantly (see Map 1). Many areas across the Battle River and Sounding Creek watersheds currently have near normal soil moisture, and some areas (especially in the Sounding Creek watershed) are experiencing moderately high to very high soil moisture reserves relative to long-term normal conditions.
Precipitation accumulations over the past year (October 2023 – October 2024) have been variable across the region (see Map 2).
Much of the Sounding Creek watershed has received near normal, moderately high, or high levels of precipitation relative to the long-term normal conditions for that area.
Some central and eastern regions of the Battle River watershed have received near normal precipitation levels, while many other areas have received very low, low, or moderately low precipitation relative to the long-term normal.
Although recent precipitation has brought much needed moisture, many regions are still suffering from long-term precipitation deficits over the past few dry years (see Map 3). When you compare precipitation accumulations over the last four years to the long-term normal conditions, several areas within our watersheds are experiencing extremely low moisture conditions that typically occur only once in 25 to 50 years (with some areas estimated to be this dry less than once in 50 years).
This has resulted in dwindling surface water levels in many lakes, streams, marshes, and dugouts in our watersheds, and has also likely impacted groundwater levels. Wet years are essential to recharge deeper water reserves beyond surface soil moisture. Much of the province will need sustained, well above average moisture to address the cumulative effect of recent dry years.
The Alberta Crop Report from October 22 provides final estimates of dryland yields for this crop season. Much of the Battle River watershed falls within the North East region (including the MDs of Wainwright and Provost, and the counties of Beaver, Vermilion River, Camrose, and Flagstaff). The yield index for major crops estimates that yields are 10.6 per cent below their 5-year average in this area. Yields in the North West region (which includes the counties of Leduc and Wetaskiwin) are 2.8 per cent above their 5-year average, and yields in the Central region (which includes Special Area 4 and the counties of Ponoka, Lacombe, Stettler, and Paintearth) are 16.4 per cent below their 5-year average.
Alberta Crop Report: Crop Conditions as of October 22, 2024
Drought resiliency conversations have been ongoing over the past year. Alberta’s Watershed Planning and Advisory Councils hosted 7 community workshops across the province to distribute drought tools and resources and support partners in managing the current drought and building resilience for future events. BRWA has also attended various municipal council presentations and community events in the watershed to share information and updates locally.
2023-24 WPAC Drought Activities Summary
August 6, 2024
By Belle Dodds, BRWA Environmental Program Coordinator
BRWA has received calls from a number of residents this past week about low water levels in the Battle River. In several cases there were reports of algal blooms, and fish and clams stranded and dying. Staff have been monitoring the water flows closely this summer. Data from July 30, 2024, available on the Rivers Alberta website, show flow rates at various sites along the Battle River ranging from 0.0 to 1.3 cubic meters per second (cms). See monitoring station data below.
If you see these types of conditions, please report through the Government of Alberta’s Environmental Response Line. When reporting fish kills, Stephen Spencer, Senior Fisheries Biologist, has indicated that the approximate numbers, species and location are essential to document the event.
Energy and Environmental Emergency 24-Hour Response Line
Call 1-800-222-6514
Data from July 30, 2024, show the following flow rates at various sites along the river:
How to use the Rivers Alberta website:
Effective July 15, 2024, the City of Camrose implemented Stage 2 of its Water Shortage Response Plan, which is referenced as a water “warning”. Mandatory water restrictions are now in effect to promote water sustainability. Stage 2 restrictions include:
For further details and additional water restrictions, please visit the Be Wise with Water initiative on the City of Camrose website.
July 2, 2024
By Belle Dodds, BRWA Environmental Program Coordinator
Earlier this month, the Alberta government’s Drought Emergency Operations Centre reached out to all municipalities in central and northern Alberta (in the Battle River basin and north) to provide information on preparing for and responding to drought conditions. This is important information as drought conditions remain a concern across the province and particularly in some northern communities. As a key partner in Alberta’s drought response, BRWA was asked to share a drought response resource sheet with information for (central) and northern communities in Alberta. The sheet includes links to drought response tools and support programs.
Drought response resources for northern communities.
June 4, 2024
By Belle Dodds, BRWA Environmental Program Coordinator
There are water shortage management advisories across the Battle River Basin including Iron creek, Lower, Middle and Upper Battler River, Ribstone Creek, and the Pigeon Lake/Battle Lake area. In Sounding Creek Watershed, the water shortage advisories have been lifted. To track advisories and water flow levels, check out AB Rivers.
The Government of Alberta released a multi-stage drought response plan on May 2nd. It provides an overview of the current situation in Alberta along with predictions of future drought risk. In addition, Bill 21, the Emergency Statutes Amendment Act introduced May 9th, amends three acts to give provincial government’s authority and ability to respond to emergencies like wildfires, floods or drought.
Alberta Drought Response Plan.
May 8, 2024
By Belle Dodds, BRWA Environmental Program Coordinator
The Government of Alberta has released an Agricultural Moisture Situation Update April 25, 2024, indicating below-average moisture in agricultural areas, with some exceptions in the Southern Alberta Region. Overall, it is indicated that precipitation in any form is very much needed, with hopes for it to come in the upcoming wet season.
Soil Moisture Report.
March 26, 2024
By Morgan Lievers, BRWA Environmental Program Coordinator
The entire Battle River watershed is under a water shortage advisory. Historically, the Battle River has variable flows but El Niño conditions resulted in below average precipitation levels. Precipitation is the primary supply for the river. As of February 2024, drought conditions in the Battle River and Sounding Creek watersheds are categorized as severe (D2) to extreme (D3), and conditions in the Special Areas are categorized as exceptional (D4).
On April 25, 2024, the Government of Alberta released with an update of the Agricultural Moisture Situation in the province. The report states that the consistent warmth and dryness of the soil has generally continued due to the lack of rainfall that has been experienced across the province. The Battle River Watershed agricultural region remains “critically dry.” This is attributed to the lack of snowpack over the winter and the early melt in spring. Soil moisture reserves have also been at some of their lowest, states this report. While it is impossible to say for certain what this year’s weather will bring, we know that we are in desperate need of rain and snow in the upcoming year to replenish our soil moisture.
This winter’s snowpack (Figure 1) has been below average for the majority of the watershed. Snowpack was at a record low in several areas in the watershed. Bigstone, for example, had a snow water equivalent of 27 this year compared to the historical average of 69 making it rank as the third lowest snowpack over 50 years.
Municipalities, agriculture, and industry are some of the major users of water for the watershed. The provincial government has asked all major water license holders to establish a plan for water use and sharing if needed. As a result, ongoing monitoring and analysis of water availability is important.
Water levels in both the Battle River and Sounding Creek fluctuate throughout the year primarily due to precipitation and evaporation. In 2023, water volumes for the Battle River hovered around the 5th percentile (Figure 2; 2023 volumes shown with the red line). This represents very low flow volumes that occur on average once every 20 years. With less spring and summer precipitation, levels in Dried Meat Lake (Figure 3) were below the normal range for the beginning of the summer. With some rain over the summer, levels recovered slightly going into the fall. Overall, water levels were well below the long-term average last year.
Current levels can be monitored on the Alberta Rivers website or app.
Precipitation is difficult to predict and the current conditions have not brought good news for the upcoming summer.
A study done on climate change effects on Alberta found that as global temperatures rise, the grassland and parkland regions will experience a decrease in precipitation. Increasing temperatures are also predicted to be a determining factor for drought and water scarcity. When there has not been enough moisture for soil during the winter, it will impact the potential to absorb water. If there are more intense rainstorms in the spring after a dry winter, the potential for flooding will increase.
Last year’s drought provided the conditions for an intense wildfire season. The predictions for this year’s wildfires are expected to be similar. Alberta Wildfires have been preparing for the upcoming season by adding more resources, training, and FireSmart education.
Wildfire smoke can not be controlled like other air pollutants. Exposure to smoke can lead to serious health impacts and people with pre-existing conditions will be the most vulnerable. Last year, Camrose was ranked 11th in the most polluted regional centres of Canada. To prepare for the wildfire season it is recommended to invest in indoor air filtering solutions early and to regularly monitor air quality.
During drought, everyone plays an important role in water management to ensure we can meet the needs of communities with the water supply we have.
Local governments are the first line of defense for drought management. The municipality is responsible for the distribution of water to communities. By regularly monitoring forecasts and updates from the provincial government, municipalities can implement water conservation measures and water shortage plans. Most municipalities are currently in the process of developing these plans. The City of Camrose has a water shortage plan to outline the process of declaring shortages, conducting enforcement, and enabling policy into bylaws to prepare for potential water restrictions. Municipalities can also promote ways to mitigate the impacts of drought by increasing natural infrastructures. Structures like rain gardens, stormwater ponds, or wetlands can play a significant role in water management during drought.
Producers in the watershed are one of the most impacted industries in droughts. The best management practice to mitigate risks is to have a drought preparedness plan during normal conditions, regularly monitor conditions, and take immediate actions to reduce impacts. Drought is a common occurrence so it is important to integrate drought management into operational decisions. For grazing strategies during drought, the Beef Cattle Research Council has many resources to assist producers. The Government of Alberta provides updates on conditions and funding opportunities for producers during times of stress.
In times of water shortages, it is important to do your part to conserve water for the community. There are many municipalities that rely on the Battle River as a drinking water source and during drought there can be a limited supply of water that impacts everyone. The Government of Alberta has water conservation tips such as taking shorter showers, fixing leaks, and planting drought tolerant plants. Water wise landscaping can also help build resilience in urban communities. Using rain gardens or other landscaping techniques can help conserve water, and a great example can be found in the Pigeon Lake Watershed Association’s Clean Runoff Action Guide.
The Government of Alberta has been preparing for the upcoming drought by discussing water sharing agreements and introducing a new drought advisory committee to provide support for communities in conserving and managing water. Resources and information are also being consistently updated on the drought page.
The Alliance has been a part of many initiatives to promote drought planning and preparedness. We worked with the North Saskatchewan and Red Deer River Watershed Alliances to host two workshops to share information on building resiliency to multi-year drought. We also have our Riparian CARE program for landowners interested in using natural infrastructure to mitigate drought. BRWA is available to provide support and resources to communities planning their drought management. If you are interested, contact us.