North Saskatchewan River (File Photo/paNOW Staff)

By paNOW Staff

SPRING RUNOFF

Near or below average levels forecasted for northern Sask. in spring runoff forecast

Mar 12, 2024 | 3:18 PM

Despite a large amount of snow melting in many parts of Saskatchewan, not much appears to be changing for the spring runoff forecast.

The Water Security Agency released its recent forecast on Tuesday, predicting that most of the province could see well below normal runoff this spring.

Recent snowstorms in early March brought up to 40 cm of snow to much of southern and central Saskatchewan, which improved runoff potential for the province.

“Although, the recent snowfall will help our situation and our producers this spring, we as a government will still be prepared to help those areas with dry conditions,” Minister Responsible for Water Security Agency David Marit said. “More moisture will be needed as temperatures continue to stay above zero.”

The spring runoff is dependent on fall soil moisture, snowpack water content, and how quickly the snowpack melts.

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According to the spring forecast, areas around North Battleford, Saskatoon, and Spiritwood will see runoff levels near normal while Prince Albert, Melfort, and north to Buffalo Narrows are expected to be below normal.

However, in the Far North, runoff levels could be well below normal which means little to no runoff is expected.

(Water Security Agency)

The North Saskatchewan River Basin at Prince Albert is forecasted to peak at 425 m3/s, well below last spring’s peak flow of 650 m3/s while the La Ronge reservoir could peak this spring at 364.1 metres, which is on par with 2023 levels.

(Water Security Agency)

(Water Security Agency)

The Water Security Agency said it will continue to monitor moisture conditions and forecasted weather patterns to prepare for the spring runoff and will issue any updates to the report throughout the spring.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com