It appears southern Saskatchewan is in for yet another dry year. However, there may be a reprieve for some areas of the province with above to well above normal snowpack in their area, although flooding is not expected despite the predicted above-normal runoff response.
The Sask. Water Security Agency tells the Press-Herald/SASKTODAY.ca, “So far this winter snow fall has been near normal for much of the province, even above normal for parts of central Saskatchewan, while in the south and southwest it has been below normal.”
“These conditions show an improvement in soil conditions seen at freeze up last year, however the province can still expect below normal runoff unless we see increased precipitation. Long range forecasts indicate that we will likely see normal amounts of precipitation over the coming months, however these forecasts can change.”
The WSA also adds that conditions around Kerrobert, Luseland, Macklin, Unity, and Wilkie are below normal for this time of year. This region was one of the driest parts of the province following the extended period of high temperatures and very little rain throughout the summer and into the fall months.
“While conditions in this area have improved with the latest snowmelt report it remains to be seen how much runoff this area can expect. Forecasts indicate that soil moisture will improve, however surface water levels may remain low for dugouts”
WSA’s snow melt report uses weather data from Environment & Climate Change Canada, the United States Weather Service, as well as a network of monitoring stations across the province to compile this report.
The spring runoff outlook could change as there is potentially another eight or more weeks of winter remaining. The WSA will release another spring runoff forecast to be issued in early March.
