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The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority says there is a high potential for spring flooding from runoff across southern Saskatchewan, especially in the southeast.
With this threat looming, the authority has compiled an early outlook of spring runoff conditions, stating the likelihood of a high runoff is due to the excessive summer and fall rainfall across the agricultural portion of the province, combined with an above-average snowfall so far this winter.
Eastern portions of the agricultural area had surplus topsoil moisture conditions, with rivers, creeks and lakes entering the fall at high levels relative to season al norms.
If there are unfavourable weather conditions in the remaining weeks of winter, such as above-normal snowfall, or rapid snow melt, will increase the threat of flooding. Even with average weather conditions, the authority states that residents should expect some flooding. Below-normal levels of precipitation and/or a slow snow melt will alleviate the threat.
This outlook is based on the soil moisture conditions at freeze-up, and the existing snowpack accumulations as of mid-January. More detailed forecasts will be made towards the end of winter and the start of spring in March and April.
