Released on April 3, 2020
Snowmelt runoff is nearing completion in much of the southern half of Saskatchewan, while the rest of province is expected to experience a below normal to normal spring runoff, according to the updated spring runoff report issued by the Water Security Agency (WSA) today.
The full report can be found at https://www.wsask.ca/Lakes-and-Rivers/Provincial-Forecast/.
There are currently no areas within the province where WSA is expecting above normal flows or flooding situations. Additional precipitation and/or a rapid melt could however result in higher runoff.
Well above seasonal temperatures during March, combined with lower snowpack and moisture levels, resulted in spring runoff either beginning or being close to complete in much of southern Saskatchewan. This includes all areas south of a line extending eastward from Macklin to Saskatoon and Saskatoon to Yorkton. Near normal to above normal precipitation was observed through central areas of the province in March.
This has increased the runoff potential through these areas, increasing it from below normal to near normal. An area encompassing west central Saskatchewan covering Meadow Lake, Lloydminster and Spiritwood is classified to have a normal runoff as is the extreme northwestern area of the province surrounding Uranium City.
The remainder of the province is expected to have a below normal runoff.
WSA has begun its normal spring operations of monitoring water basins and operating its dam systems to bring lake levels under its controls up to their normal operating levels.
For further information on runoff levels, water basins and a provincial runoff map, please see the full report.
WSA will continue to monitor conditions and will provide further communications if warranted.
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For more information, contact:
Patrick Boyle
Water Security Agency
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-631-6997
Email: Patrick.Boyle@wsask.ca