Snow in February has increased the chance of above normal spring runoff through central Saskatchewan, said the Water Security Agency in its March update.
A month earlier, most of the grain belt was expected to see near normal runoff conditions after a mild January. But now officials say above normal snowfall has changed that forecast.
Spring runoff could be higher and some channels could see water spill over their banks, although the WSA said it doesn’t expect significant flooding right now.
WSA minister Scott Moe said surveys have shown that there was more water in last month’s snow.
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“So far, the conditions seem to be fairly positive, and the Water Security Agency will continue to monitor this closely as the temperatures rise and the snow begins to melt,” he said.
The area most likely to see above normal runoff cuts a large swath from Weyburn northwest to between Regina and Moose Jaw, Elbow and Kindersley, as far north as Meadow Lake and Waskesiu, then southeast to Melfort, Hudson Bay and the Yorkton area.
The WSA said terminal lakes without natural outlets will continue to remain high and could cause flooding. These wetlands have been full for several years and have seen little to no net evaporation.
On the other hand, melts have already occurred in the southwest corner, which had below normal snow pack, and the WSA predicts runoff to be normal or below normal.
Northern Saskatchewan should also see near to below normal runoff.
The agency will issue updated forecasts as the melt begins and runoff occurs.
Contact karen.briere@producer.com
