Centre for Hydrology

Centre for Hydrology, University of Saskatchewan

The University of Saskatchewan has a long established international reputation for excellence in hydrological research and teaching. Current Centre for Hydrology research includes - among others - studies of the following topics:

Hydrology and Climate

Snow Processes and Cold Regions Hydrometeorology

Water Resources of Western and Northern Canada

Hydroecology and Water Quality

Effects of the Mining Sector on Water Resources

Global Water Futures

News & Events

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UNESCO Chair in Mountain Water Sustainability

The UNESCO Chair in Mountain Water Sustainability will link researchers and communities in Canada, Chile, Nepal and other high mountain nation states and relevant research institutions around the world to address climate-mountain water sustainability challenges as part of the UNESCO International Hydrological Programme’s (IHP) quest to achieve equitable and inclusive sustainability in communities dependent on high mountain waters under the stress of climate change. The Chair will promote the interface between science, policy, and society and ethical and inclusive policies for sustainable development; strengthen international science cooperation for peace, sustainability, and support inclusive social development including the promotion of intercultural dialogue and the rapprochement of cultures.

SnowCast

Example screenshot of SnowCast

SnowCast is an experimental model output that uses the Global Environmental Multiscale (GEM) model forecasts from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to drive the Canadian Hydrological Model (CHM). Estimates of snowpack are provided over the a Bow River Basin upstream of Calgary, Alberta. To view SnowCast, click the button below.

Research Facilities

Coldwater Laboratory in Canmore, AB

The Centre for Hydrology occupies many superb facilities for hydrological and research training in Saskatoon and Canmore, with many field sites across Western and Northern Canada. They include the following:

  • Office at Environment and Climate Change Canada National Hydrology Research Centre
  • Office and laboratories in Kirk Hall at the University of Saskatchewan
  • Drone lab in the Smart Water Systems Laboratory (located in the National Hydrology Research Centre)
  • Mountain research base and offices at the Coldwater Laboratory in Canmore, Alberta
    • Oversees research conducted at the Canadian Rockies Hydrological Observatory

Graduate Training

There are typically more than a dozen graduate class offerings each year in hydrology available from the natural sciences, environment & sustainability, agriculture and engineering. There is a strong tradition of interdisciplinary graduate training in hydrology and collaboration in graduate hydrology research programmes on campus. In recent years graduate students in hydrology have won many national and international awards and NSERC scholarships.

Global Institute for Water Security

The Centre for Hydrology also contributes to the Global Institute for Water Security (GIWS), the top water resources research institute in Canada and one of the most advanced hydrology research centres in the world. For more information on the GIWS, click below.