Western Irrigation District

Water diversion from the Bow River was stopped on September 30^th, bringing the 2026 water season to an official end. Draining and winterizing of the canals and pipelines is near completion.

The canal system is closed for the winter. Water operations will resume in April, 2027.

2025/26 snowpack has depleted. No updated information is currently available for the 2026/27 snow pillow status.

According to Environment Canada, the next few days in October will bring sunny skies and mild temperatures well above seasonal averages, peaking in the low 20’s on the 21^st of the month. A strong cold front is expected to arrive on the 23^rd causing temperatures to drop to seasonal averages and bringing a chance of snow to the area alongside gusty winds. The onset of this cold air will keep the temperatures for the remainder of the month consistently chilly with only low single digit daytime highs and overnight lows in the single negative digits.

Longterm precipitation forecast (November – March) for Strathmore points towards above normal temperatures overall, but with highly volatile, swinging weather patterns and a persistent threat of heavy individual snow events.