Saskatchewan’s Water Security Agency is forecasting near normal spring runoff for the grain belt, based on conditions in January.
The warm weather and melting last month has lowered the snow pack.
However, most of the province was saturated going into winter freeze-up last fall, and there is still potential for the conditions to change.
“The Water Security Agency will be monitoring precipitation levels and conducting snow surveys to get a clearer picture of what the runoff outlook will be as we move closer to spring,” said minister responsible Scott Moe.
If precipitation continues to be below normal and the melt is slow, below normal runoff will result. If precipitation is above normal and the melt is rapid, there is the potential for flooding.
The past several years have seen extreme rainfall in June, leading to widespread flooding and crop damage.
The next forecast is expected in early March.
