The Saskatchewan Water Security Agency has issued its February spring runoff forecast and they are predicting above average runoff for the area around the Battlefords.
Above normal runoff is also expected for the Saskatoon, and Prince Albert regions, but the remainder of the province is projected to be near normal.
"Although most of the province is looking at a near normal situation, the Saskatoon, North Battleford and Prince Albert regions could again be facing some significant challenges with the threat of higher than normal water levels," said the minister responsible for Water Security Agency Ken Cheveldayoff in a statement.
"The Water Security Agency is continuing to monitor the situation and will have more detailed information in early March."
According to the Water Security Agency, precipitation ranges from below average in the southeast to above average in the north-central region around Saskatoon and North Battleford.
The area of "above normal" runoff is a wide one that runs from Lloydminster to the Manitoba border, and runs north to include Meadow Lake and La Ronge. Most of the province north of La Ronge and south of Saskatoon, however, expects to see "normal runoff."
The main area of concern is the region east of North Battleford, especially approaching Prince Albert.
As of Feb. 1, the forecast for the area around that city and including such places as Waskesiu Lake, Shellbrook and Blaine Lake, is for a runoff of "well above normal."
Fall precipitation in the 30 days before freeze-up was generally below normal with the exception of central Saskatchewan, which was seeing above normal precipitation.
The Water Security Agency cautions the February forecast is based on limited precipitation data and should be used as a general guide; local conditions may vary significantly and the forecast could be significantly altered by above normal precipitation and/or a fast melt. A more detailed runoff forecast is due out in early March and April.
