Where's the runoff?

[lds]

So what's the deal. No runoff this year? Everything is low and clear. I've never experienced this before. Is it still gonna come. What happens for the season if it doesn't. Anyone out there got some opinions?

[friendofacatahoula]

Well the low snow pack is the first place to look. It should t be a surprise it was a mild winter across the west and the snow levels up top have already been reduced to levels typically normal for mid June. There is still some snow up there but with the lack of recent precip or warm weather it hasn't rained and lead to any higher amounts of runoff. Plus the reservoir levels haven't been high enough to lead to any amounts of releasing to affect the Bow.

What happens if the rivers don't get blown out with runoff? Fish on! Just means there is a higher chance the mountain streams are better when the season opens.

[Scott N]

Runoff for many rivers in the province isn't until June.

[Okotokian]

Originally Posted by Scott N

Runoff for many rivers in the province isn't until June.

yup. It's early days yet. I'm just hoping it won't be too serious given the relative lack of snow this year.

[goldscud]

Last week of May is pretty traditional timing. Rains come first week of June...then the mud starts coming

[italk2u]

heading out to the Prairie creek area next Thursday. Any word on stream conditions out that way?

[spinN'flyfish]

the bow's clear now but she'll be chocolate milk in a few weeks time!

[coachman]

The Athabasca has come up over 2 feet in the last 2 days, Close to normal summer flows in Hinton.

[lannie]

All normal in the South West and water level usually peaks June 15 -20.

[alacringa]

It is early yet, but melt has been gradual and snow pack isn't what it often is, as others have mentioned. I expect we're not looking at a lot this year.

[slivers86]

Sheep is muddy today

[Freddy]

Been watching these two pages for a few years. http://www.environment.alberta.ca/ap...StationID=SRAC
Snow melt is two weeks earlier compared to last year.
http://www.environment.alberta.ca/ap...tionID=ROLD13A not a lot of water flow. Spike was from Saturdays rain. 2013 is spiked to 1100 cm/s. 1995 it spiked to 4800cm/s.

[rycoma]

Little red was chocolate milk on monday

[Ozzzzz]

Originally Posted by rycoma

Little red was chocolate milk on monday

mmmmm....chocolate milk....

[rycoma]

Originally Posted by Ozzzzz

mmmmm....chocolate milk....

Have at her, all you drink...... Mind you it may come out the same color and consistency.

[smitty9]

As stated, low snowpack with lack of rain will make low flows during April and May.

What snow is left will color up the rivers and raise levels in June.

However, this is concerning. No one likes to see huge floods that damage property and threaten lives, but rivers need their water. AB is a relatively dry province.

What makes for good spring fishing can be problematic later in July and August if we don't get rain. High water temps makes for major stress on fish.

Let's hope we get rain before and after snowpack runoff.

Mike

[Darren N]

Anybody near Drayton or before it to see if the NSR is getting high and muddy yet?

[DiabeticKripple]

i think the mountains still have lots of snow, but the foothills dont so its gonna get a late start this year.

[lannie]

The snow in the mountains has barely started to melt. Still lots at lower elevations.

[scel]

It is somewhat hard to ignore the the moronic Transalta dam control. However, all evidence is run-off is right on schedule:

http://www.environment.alberta.ca/ap...ionID=RBOWCALG

[big wally]

Here it comes!
In Banff, river is up and definite colour.
With the expected rains this week and warm temps, at night, the chocolate milk is on its way to Calgary.