Slack Slough Red Deer drying up July 2025

Slack Slough near Red Deer is experiencing significant stress due to ongoing drought conditions in July 2025. Southern Alberta, including the Red Deer area, is facing very dry conditions this summer, with authorities urging residents to be mindful of fire risks and the lack of precipitation^[1][2].

While there is no direct report confirming that Slack Slough has completely dried up as of July 2025, several factors indicate the wetland is likely under severe pressure:

• Regional drought: The Alberta Crop Report highlights extensive dry conditions in southern Alberta, with only about 40% of farmlands rated as having "good-to-excellent" surface moisture^[2].
• Local warnings: In May 2025, Red Deer was already under a "Very High" fire danger rating due to prolonged dry weather and little forecasted precipitation^[1].
• Historical vulnerability: Slack Slough is a permanent wetland but has previously seen lower water levels during drought years, although it has not been reported as fully dry in the past^[3][4].
• Conservation efforts: Recent conservation projects at Slack Slough aim to protect and restore the area, but these efforts are challenged by ongoing drought and water shortages^[5].

Given these conditions, it is highly probable that Slack Slough is experiencing very low water levels or partial drying in July 2025, consistent with the broader regional drought trends. However, without a direct, up-to-date field report, it cannot be definitively stated that the wetland has dried up completely. The situation remains critical, and continued monitoring is advised^[2][1][5].

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• https://rdnewsnow.com/2025/05/07/red-deerians-urged-to-be-mindful-of-very-dry-conditions/   
• https://chatnewstoday.ca/2025/07/10/significant-concern-for-drought-conditions-in-southern-alberta/   
• https://www.reddeeradvocate.com/local-news/slacks-slough-a-major-transit-hub-7025343 
• https://birdingtrailsalberta.com/city-of-red-deer/slack-slough/ 
• https://rdnewsnow.com/2024/06/17/rotary-club-of-red-deer-is-far-from-slacking-in-conservation-efforts/