The 2017 drought in the Canadian Prairies

Key Messages

• The 2017 drought on the Canadian Prairies was notable because of its rapid onset and severe intensification. Conditions quickly deteriorated due to an early snow melt and below-normal precipitation in the spring. The region then faced its driest summer in 70 years resulting in significant impacts.
• Drought impacts on the agricultural sector were severe. Crops were impacted by poor germination, stunted growth, and early maturation. Drought resulted in poor pasture productions unreliable water supplies.
• In response to the drought federal and provincial governments collaborated on monitoring and developing appropriate responses. Both levels of governments established or enacted programs and policies to assist. These actions included water testing for livestock, opening land for livestock grazing, and providing assistance for uninsurable losses from wildfires.
• There is a need for increased investment in drought monitoring, analysis and planning. Drought response plans need to be improved to help guide decisions and triggers during a drought situation.

This case study is a contribution to the GAR Special Report on Drought 2021.