The spring runoff report for central Saskatchewan, including the Humboldt region, is showing the potential for an above normal runoff given this winter’s snowpack. The Water Security Agency produced its report on March 14, and it notes the snowpack and wetter than normal fall conditions should see a healthy runoff.
Other parts of the province may not fare as well given the lower levels of fall moisture and below normal snowpack. Areas in the north and pocket in the southeast are expected to see limited run off.
“Over the winter, we have seen moisture conditions improve in parts of the province with higher than forecasted snowpack particularly across the south-central area of the province,” Minister Responsible for the Water Security Agency Daryl Harrison said. “This, combined with overwinter operating plans at reservoirs designed to retain water supplies, means water supply conditions have improved over last year.”
The report acknowledges that any remaining snowfall and the rate of melt can impact runoff volumes. Long range forecasts predict near normal levels of precipitation and temperatures for March through May.
Most major water supplies in the province’s south are showing at or above normal levels. Following spring runoff, most basins should be within normal parameters. However, the WSA notes that in the north, reservoirs like Reindeer Lake may continue to be at lower levels than normal.
The South Saskatchewan River Basin is expected to see a near to slightly above normal runoff from the prairie portion of the basin this spring. The runoff from the mountains is expected to be lower than normal this year. The lakes in the Qu’Appelle River Basin are expected to be in normal summer operating zones following the spring melt.
The Quill lakes are expected to see a near normal runoff response this spring.