The preliminary spring runoff outlook from the Water Security Agency (WSA) is showing most of southern Saskatchewan will have below to well-below normal snowmelt runoff potential in 2021.
Following very dry conditions throughout the region in the summer and fall last year, this winter’s snowpack is currently reported as below to near normal.
The area around Moose Jaw, Regina, Weyburn and Estevan is looking at a well-below normal runoff, while the areas of Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Melfort, Maple Creek and Val Marie is looking at below normal runoff.
Moving north in the province, runoff level projection levels are reported to increase.
Kindersley, Lloydminster, Meadow Lake and Nipawin are expected to see a near normal runoff, after slightly drier than normal fall conditions and an above-average winter snowfall in early November acting as compensating factors.
The southwest corner of the province, from Cypress Hills to the U.S. border, is also looking at a near-normal runoff.
The WSA’s projections could still change, according to the agency’s press release, as there are still several weeks of winter remaining. The first spring runoff forecast will be shared early in March.
The preliminary spring runoff outlook from the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency. By (supplied)
