March runoff report. (Submitted photo/Water Security Agency)

By paNOW Staff

Spring Runoff

Some central and northern communities expected to see near normal runoff this spring

Mar 4, 2021 | 12:36 PM

The Water Security Agency (WSA) is following up its February spring runoff report saying some communities in northern and central Saskatchewan will have a near normal runoff.

According to a media release, Prince Albert, Melfort, La Ronge and Saskatoon are expected to have the near normal runoff. They explained the snow surveys they did in late February revealed higher levels of packed snow in parts of central Saskatchewan and Saskatoon. Other communities in southwestern Saskatchewan, such as Kindersley, Cypress Hills and Leader, will also see a normal runoff.

Although, there are communities in southern and central Saskatchewan expected to see a below average runoff such as North Battleford, Regina and Swift Current. A well-below normal runoff is anticipated in Assiniboia, Weyburn and Estevan.

The far north areas of Stony Rapids, Uranium City and Cluff Lake experienced extreme wet conditions from last fall, which means a higher than normal runoff could be expected. But the WSA explained unless there is significant precipitation before or during the spring, the risk of flooding is low risk.

“Ice on waterbodies also poses a risk during the melt period,” as explained in the release. “While the risk of ice jamming is lower this spring with the expectation of below normal runoff, ice on waterbodies does become unpredictable and dangerous during the melt period and should be avoided.”

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The conditions in south eastern and south central areas, more specifically east of Highway 4 and south of Highway 1, are dry and have snowmelt runoff potential. They explained surface water supplies at reservoirs are expected to be met this year but those who use smaller reservoirs might see shortages if snowpack conditions don’t improve.

The WSA says the expected spring runoffs can change depending on future weather and they will continue to monitor all conditions. The final runoff report will be issued in April.

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panews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Princealbertnow