Saskatchewan's Water Security Agency, formerly Sask Water, is predicting high runoff and flooding in some areas of the province based on this winter's above average snowfall in many areas.
"The rate of melt and how much additional precipitation falls as snow or rain in coming weeks will determine the risk of flooding this spring," said Minister responsible for Water Security Agency Ken Cheveldayoff.
"However, if the precipitation conditions going forward are consistent with their historical averages, most of the province will experience an above average spring runoff."
According to the agency, hot summer and fall with below normal rainfall across the entire agricultural portion of Saskatchewan in 2012 produced relatively dry conditions going into the winter season. A well above normal snowpack has created the potential for an above normal runoff, however.
The Water Security Agency will continue to monitor the 2013 spring runoff conditions across Saskatchewan. If necessary, more snow surveys will be conducted to verify snow accumulation, the agency says. The Water Security Agency says it will be updating this forecast in April.
"We provide this forecast so that communities and residents can look at their local conditions and consider the best strategies to protect their property and infrastructure," Cheveldayoff said. "Since 2010, the government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $25 million in 580 permanent flood mitigation works across the province."
The March forecast should be used as a general guide as local conditions may vary, the ageny cautions. The full March forecast is available online at www.wsask.ca.
