Normal spring runoff predicted for Saskatchewan despite recent snowfall

By Susan McNeil

The Water Security Agency (WSA) is predicting a normal spring runoff for most of central Saskatchewan despite several recent snowfalls.

Numbers released Thursday morning show the central band across the province having near normal spring runoff.“Southeast and most of central Saskatchewan are expected to see a near normal runoff response due to a near normal snowpack, in combination with wetter fall conditions. In the area around Yorkton and Wynyard, an above normal runoff is expected,” said the WSA in a news release.

The Quill Lakes basin might see some flooding that starts southeast of Melfort and Hudson Bay, runs south of Wynyard and east to the Manitoba border.

This area can expect well above normal runoff with significant flow of water out of normal channels and some flooding.

A screenshot of the spring runoff predictions across Central Sask. (submitted/WSA)

The Churchill River basin will likely have lower flow and lake levels this year due to dry conditions. Lac La Ronge is near the lower end of its operating range. Above normal inflows are needed this spring to bring the lake up to near normal elevations.The southwest corner of Saskatchewan from Kindersley to the US border and east towards Estevan will have a dry spring with little to no runoff expected.

WSA warns that data can be generalized in regional reports and should be taken as a guideline. In more specific areas, the runoff can look much different.

Weather-wise, the temperature is predicted to be hotter than normal between March and May in southern Saskatchewan but precipitation should be normal.