Above average runoff expected for much of central, southern Saskatchewan

Prince Albert and North Battleford are in a small band that are expecting near normal runoff, while La Ronge and the entire north are anticipating below normal runoff.

(Submitted/WSA)

The Water Security Agency said in their news release that most major water reservoirs in southern Saskatchewan are at above normal levels for this time of year.

They are expected to be at near normal levels after the spring runoff.

“Over the winter, we have seen moisture conditions improve in parts of the province with higher than forecasted snowpack particularly across the south-central area of the province,” Minister Responsible for the Water Security Agency Daryl Harrison said in the release. “This, combined with overwinter operating plans at reservoirs designed to retain water supplies, means water supply conditions have improved over last year.”

However, much can change between now and the snow melt.

Snowfall amounts for the rest of the spring and the speed of the melt can have a major impact on the spring runoff.

“Long-range forecasts predict normal precipitation and near normal temperatures across Saskatchewan from March to May,” the release stated.

Some areas, including parts of the southwest, are already starting to see runoff underway.

The WSA encourages residents to monitor local ice and water conditions, and take precautions, if necessary, as conditions can rapidly change during the spring melt.

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

by Cam Lee

Above average runoff expected for much of central, southern Saskatchewan

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