As Alberta endures an unrelenting heatwave and dry conditions this summer, Buffalo Lake is grappling with a concerning decline in water levels, hovering near the lower end of the normal range for this time of year, according to Jason Penner, communication advisor for Alberta Environment and Protected Areas.
“It’s important to remember that prairie pothole lakes like this have experienced fluctuations in water quantity many times in the past. This is largely due to climatic conditions, as the province can see prolonged periods of below-average precipitation,” said Penner.
The consequences of these declining water levels extend widely and have multiple facets. A primary concern revolves around the adverse effects on Buffalo Lake’s ecosystem and the diverse wildlife it sustains.
As the water recedes, critical emergent and riparian vegetation, essential to various species, faces reduction, consequently impacting water quality and salt concentrations.
Over time, this could result in habitat loss for certain creatures while creating new habitats for others.
“For example, increased shoreline could provide habitat for shorebirds, which are dependent on exposed mudflats or gravel, but may impact waterbirds that depend on presence of emergent vegetation for nesting,” said Penner.
Buffalo Lake’s interconnectedness with other water bodies adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The lake naturally spills into Tail Creek, eventually discharging into the Red Deer River.
Additionally, the upstream pumping network operated by Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, designed to divert water from the Red Deer River into Alix Lake, poses risks of introducing invasive species into Buffalo Lake.
The low water levels in Buffalo Lake may also affect the downstream lakes and rivers, further exacerbating concerns over the entire aquatic system.
Government officials have been monitoring Buffalo Lake’s water levels through the Alberta River Basin website and Alberta Rivers app, which provides real-time data in metres above sea level.
“Until recently, Buffalo Lake had benefited from a pumping operation to divert water from the Red Deer River into Buffalo Lake to help offset low water levels,” explained Penner.
“However, due to the presence of Prussian carp in the Red Deer River, pumping has been suspended to prevent the introduction of this invasive fish species into Buffalo Lake.”
If the water levels remain low, there is a concern surrounding the well-being of fish populations, especially during winter.
The fluctuating water levels can significantly impact fish habitats crucial for spawning, rearing, and feeding.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that fish have evolved to adapt to natural fluctuations. Penner said that while most fish seek out deeper waters, prolonged and extremely low water levels may lead to isolated incidents of fish fatalities during winter.
These isolated areas may lack sufficient oxygen or freeze into ice, posing formidable challenges to fish survival.
“Alberta Environment and Protected Areas officials continue to monitor the lake closely, and will continue to do so, to assess if future action is needed,” said Penner.
Jessica Campbell
ECA Review
