Released on April 8, 2013
High Runoff Expected in a Number of Areas
Today, Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Water Security Agency (WSA) Ken Cheveldayoff released the April forecast and update on the spring runoff. The month of March saw greater than normal amounts of precipitation in certain areas.
As a result, an above normal runoff is expected for majority of the province, while the areas that have the potential for very high runoff and flooding have increased. These areas include Moose Jaw to Indian Head then south to Weyburn, and from Saskatoon to North Battleford extending north to Waskesiu Lake.
“With the additional snowfall in March, areas in the Souris River and Qu’Appelle River basins have been the most affected,” Cheveldayoff said. “To help prepare for the runoff, the Water Security Agency has been increasing the outflow of water from Rafferty and Alameda reservoirs as well as holding several meetings with municipalities to address their concerns and inform them of programs available.”
Throughout March, the Ministry of Government Relations and the WSA held a number of meetings in at-risk regions, providing more than 200 communities with information and advice on actions they can take to prevent and respond to flooding. An informational open house was held in Estevan last week and there are additional open houses being planned this week in Regina, Fort Qu’Appelle/Regina Beach and Melville. Details on these sessions will be released as they are confirmed.
“With the increased snow cover and late melt, I urge all people and communities to look at the forecast and prepare for flooding,” Cheveldayoff said. “The Water Security Agency along with the Ministries of Government Relations, Agriculture, Highways and Infrastructure are committed to be there for the people of Saskatchewan as we prepare for spring runoff.”
WSA launched the 2013 Emergency Flood Damage Reduction Program (EFDRP). This program provides assistance with the implementation of emergency flood damage reduction or prevention measures. The program is available to communities, rural municipalities, businesses, non-profit organizations and individual farm residences to help mitigate damage from imminent flooding.
WSA has also launched a mobile website, giving users the ability to browse the most up-to-date news and advisories on a smartphone or tablet. Users can also search a list of communities and to find their local area and view a chart of the stream flows and lake levels nearest them. To visit the mobile site, go to www.wsask.ca on a smartphone or tablet.
The April forecast should be used as a general guide as local conditions may vary. The full forecast is available online at www.wsask.ca. WSA will continue to monitor the 2013 spring runoff conditions across Saskatchewan. This forecast will be updated as spring runoff begins.
The Water Security Agency was created to lead implementation of the 25 Year Saskatchewan Water Security Plan. It will improve water management capacity and service to individuals, businesses and communities across Saskatchewan. This new agency brings together, for the first time, all of the major responsibilities related to water quality and quantity.
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For more information, contact:
Patrick Boyle
Water Security Agency
Moose Jaw
Email: Patrick.Boyle@wsask.ca
Cell: 306-631-6997