Saskatchewan's Water Security Agency recently released the February forecast and first outlook of the spring runoff and with the snowfall received this winter, an above normal runoff is expected.
"The spring runoff is impacted by a variety of factors like moisture conditions in the fall, snow accumulation in the winter as well as the rate of melt and amount of rainfall in the spring," Minister responsible for Water Security Agency Ken Cheveldayoff says. "The Water Security Agency is paying close attention to these factors and will assess the situation as we approach spring."
The last half of 2012 saw below normal rainfall which left most of the agricultural areas in Saskatchewan with relatively dry conditions going into the winter season. To date, there has been above normal winter precipitation and well above average water equivalent in the snowpack for this time of year. If the precipitation conditions going forward remain the same as their historical averages, there will be an above average spring runoff this year.
The February forecast should be used as a general guide as local conditions may vary. The full February forecast is available online at www.wsask.ca. The Water Security Agency will be updating this forecast in March with the best available information.
Since 2010, the Water Security Agency has invested over $25 million in flood mitigation efforts to more than 1,400 individuals, communities, rural municipalities and First Nations.
The Water Security Agency was created to lead implementation of the 25 Year Saskatchewan Water Security Plan.
