A preliminary spring runoff report issued by Water Security Agency today shows spring runoff potential is below normal in most of southern Saskatchewan.
Central areas have above normal snowpack and should expect above normal snowmelt. The far north should see near normal conditions.
The WSA said there is an area east of Moose Jaw through Weyburn, Indian Head and Regina, where wetter conditions last fall and near normal snowfall project a near normal snowmelt.
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At this point, flooding is not expected in regions with higher than normal snowpack. However, the melt rate will impact runoff.
“With depleted subsoil moisture, a slow melt will likely result in the bulk of the snowpack recharging the soil column,” said the WSA report.
“A rapid melt is likely needed to result in an improvement to surface water supplies. The current snowpack is not sufficient to satisfy both. Without additional snowfall, surface water supply issues are likely to occur in southwestern Saskatchewan in 2022.”
With more snow likely to fall through the next couple of months the WSA said the runoff outlook could change. It will issue its first forecast in early March.
Contact karen.briere@producer.com
