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Calgary Herald

With southwest Alberta already dry, forecasted weekend rain would be welcomed

On Steve Rutledge's land north in southwest Alberta, it's already looking like fall. Article content 'This is the driest it's ever been at this time of year,' said Rutledge, who farms and ranches north of Cowley, in the Municipal District of Pincher Creek, on Wednesday. Article content Article content His crops are looking average to below average, needing 'a drink' to avoid suffering. Article content Fortunately, the Environment Canada forecast calls for rain Friday to Sunday in southern Alberta, including in Rutledge's area. Article content Article content 'The rain will be welcome, for sure, if it does get to us,' he said. Article content Article content But the dryland hay is 'done,' having already bloomed, and is not even worth cutting, said Rutledge. Dugouts are dry, he added. Article content 'A lot of ranchers are hauling water,' said Rutledge, and fences are being put up around muddy dugouts to avoid cattle getting stuck. Article content Rutledge does have irrigated land, but due to low river flow, he said the farm has been without irrigated water since last week. Article content Southwest Alberta is among the areas of Canada that have continued to experience severe or extreme drought conditions, said Trevor Hadwen, agroclimate specialist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, in comments accompanying the release of the May Canadian Drought Monitor. Article content Article content The Municipal District of Pincher Creek is abnormally dry, said utilities and infrastructure manager David Desabrais on Wednesday. Article content Article content The municipality recently implemented a water conservation advisory due to a continued trend of significantly lower than seasonal levels within the Oldman Reservoir, a lack of remaining snowpack and high seasonal demand. The advisory affects the hamlets of Lundbreck and Beaver Mines, Castle Mountain Resort, the Village of Cowley and rural users on the MD's regional system. Restrictions are currently voluntary, but residents are advised to follow them. Article content Article content 'There is a good level of concern on water availability throughout the MD for this year,' said Desabrais. Article content The Oldman Reservoir levels have started to drop, earlier than usual, and that's expected to continue, he said. Article content As of Wednesday morning, the Oldman Reservoir was at 65 per cent capacity, below normal for this time of year.