Snowpack levels in parts of Alberta's Rocky Mountains have reached unprecedented heights this year, with scientists describing the accumulation as "remarkable" and potentially beneficial for regional water supplies. However, this positive news contrasts sharply with record-low snowpack in southern Alberta, raising concerns about impending drought conditions.
Record-Breaking Snowpack in the Rockies
According to Professor John Pomeroy, director of the Global Water Futures Observatories and a researcher at the University of Saskatchewan, snow surveys from stations stretching from Kananaskis to Jasper National Park are showing extraordinary results. In the Bow River basin, the snowpack at Lake Louise has hit an all-time high, while other areas report levels well above average.
"Our latest snow surveys are showing more than double what the average would be at this time of year, and in some cases triple what we had last year for the water equivalent of the snowpack," Pomeroy stated. "That's pretty good news."
Impressive Depth and Water Retention
The snowpack is notably deep, measuring 2.6 meters above Helen Lake in Banff National Park and 2.3 meters in a forest clearing near Fortress Mountain. Pomeroy explained that at higher elevations, the snowpack has effectively absorbed rain mixed with snow during the winter, leading to exceptionally high water retention in the coldest areas.
"At the very highest elevations, when that rain hits when it's mixed with snow, the snowpack will soak it up and it's still holding it, and that's why we have really high values at the highest, coldest places," he said.
Benefits and Potential Risks
The substantial snowmelt expected this year in the Bow River basin could be "one of the highest in our lifetimes," according to Pomeroy. This influx is anticipated to alleviate low river flows that have plagued Calgary and downstream irrigation areas in recent late summers and falls.
However, Pomeroy cautioned that high stream flows need monitoring. "Snowmelt by itself doesn't generally cause flooding in Calgary and in the area, but it can be a contributing factor if there's rain during the snowmelt, and if the snowmelt is fast," he noted.
Southern Alberta Faces Drought Threat
In stark contrast, southern Alberta, particularly the Oldman River basin, is experiencing record-low snowpack levels. Recent Alberta Environment surveys indicate the lowest ever readings at locations like Akamina Pass, where water equivalent in the snowpack dropped from 260 millimeters in 2023 to just 162 millimeters this year.
"In the Oldman, they need to prepare for the possibility of severe drought this year," Pomeroy warned. He emphasized that conditions in southern Alberta will depend heavily on spring moisture, but the current outlook is concerning.
Climate Change Connection
The drought conditions extend beyond Alberta's borders, with the western United States experiencing its most severe drought and heat wave since records began in the 1800s. Pomeroy linked this to human-caused climate change, noting that an attribution study showed such extreme drought would be "virtually impossible" without increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
"It's human-caused climate change, for sure," he asserted, highlighting that the exceptional drought affects areas like Glacier National Park in Montana and extends into the Pincher Creek region of Alberta.
This dual scenario of abundant snowpack in the Rockies and critical drought in the south underscores the complex and varied impacts of climate patterns on Alberta's water resources and environmental stability.
