It appears the spring runoff has started in southwest Alberta. Water levels have been rising on most of the region’s rivers and streams over the past week or two, due to increased snowmelt that’s been occurring in the mountains and backcountry. It hasn’t been the warmest spring on record by any means, but temperatures have warmed up enough for the runoff to begin.

Runoff has started in SW Alberta, including the Castle River, near Beaver Mines

Runoff has started on most streams in SW Alberta, including the Castle River near Beaver Mines

Yesterday, I went for a drive to Waterton Lakes National Park. Along the way, I checked out a few of the trout streams to see how the runoff was progressing. Although water levels are up on all of them, some were running surprisingly clear. Providing we don’t receive monsoons over the next 2 to 3 weeks, some of these streams may be fishable when the season opens on June 16th. Time will tell!

A small stream near Waterton Park flowing high, but clear.

A small stream near Waterton Park flowing high, but clear. There's still plenty of snow to melt in the highcountry.

 I only spent a few hours in the Park and because it was drizzly and cool I didn’t get to do any hiking, or anything of the sort.  While driving about, though, I noticed there were lots of  prairie crocus’ around and glacier lilies were blooming in quite a few places, too. Speaking of flowers, the sixth annual Waterton Wild Flower Festival will be taking place June 13 - 21. A variety of events are scheduled, including guided flower walks, hikes and workshops. Some of the courses include: Wildflower Identification, Bird Watching and Photography Workshops. For more information on the Festival, click here.