The giant stacks of snow around the city might make people nervous, but the City of Yorkton is preparing for this year's spring thaw.
Mayor Bob Maloney says that the city is expecting a spring thaw that is above average, but not beyond what it can easily deal with or hasn't had in the past. Still, while the city can deal with it, people need to take steps to ensure that the melt goes as smoothly as possible.
Brian Stanicki, Yorkton Roadways Manager, says that right now the city crews are cleaning and inspecting the city's storm drains and catch basins, and staff will be focusing on keeping the drains open to allow the water to move.
One of the main concerns for homeowners in Yorkton is water in basements, and Stanicki says that there are things people need to do for themselves to keep that water outside of the house where it belongs.
Cleaning gutters, keeping neighborhood catch basins clear, moving snow away from homes, and putting downspouts down so water drains at least two meters from the home. In terms of the catch basins, Stanicki says that keeping them clear of snow and debris simply makes it easier for everyone.
"It's pretty much helping out if you can. We're not expecting you to clean the drain out, but to help us keep it clean until we can get the truck around to fix it up," he adds.
Yorkton's extensive storm system upgrade should help with the large amount of melt water, and Maloney emphasizes that a storm and a spring thaw are two different things. The upgrades are designed to be able to deal with the much faster rate of a storm, and can handle the more gradual thaw.
"Our system is built to handle it. You might get a bit of ponding, and our guys will react quickly if we do, but our system is built to handle snow melt, so I don't think we're anticipating any problems."
If there is ponding, however, Maloney says that the city needs to know about it, in order to clear it up and know where the problems are.
However, with the sheer amount of snow in yards and around the city, Maloney says that people still need to be aware of the problems that occur, and take the necessary steps to protect their homes.
"If you get seepage, like I do, you need to be proactive in moving that water away from your foundation, because you could have some issues," Maloney says.
In the interests of helping people in the city protect their homes and property from the spring runoff, the city has set up a website with information and tips on the front page of http://www.yorkton.ca.
