(File photo/paNOW)

By Cam Lee

Spring runoff

Preliminary runoff outlook largely positive across Saskatchewan

Feb 13, 2025 | 11:45 AM

Don’t let the cold weather fool you – spring will be here faster than you think.

With that in mind, the Water Security Agency has released an early look at potential runoff this spring.

The preliminary spring runoff outlook showed that winter precipitation has varied significantly across the province, with below-normal amounts of snow in south-central and northern areas to above normal in parts of the southwest and west-central portions of the province.

(Submitted/Water Security Agency)

“While much of Saskatchewan experienced below-normal precipitation, leading to dry conditions at freeze-up last fall, overall conditions improved compared to last year,” the agency’s news release stated.

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Most major reservoirs in southern Saskatchewan are at or above normal levels and are anticipated to be near normal levels after the runoff this spring.

“Currently, Lake Diefenbaker, the province’s main water supply, is above normal levels for this time of year and inflows this winter have been near normal,” the release stated.

“In anticipation of potential below normal runoff from the alpine region, WSA has implemented an overwinter operating plan at Lake Diefenbaker that still focuses on retaining water supplies to ensure safe, reliable drinking water for communities and other users,” said Minister Responsible for the Water Security Agency Daryl Harrison.

Parts of southern and central Saskatchewan are expected to see above-normal runoff due to an above-normal snowpack combined with the wet conditions in the fall. Northern Saskatchewan and south and east-central parts of the province continue to have below-normal conditions.

“In the Souris Basin, reservoirs are projected to remain within normal operating ranges. All lakes within the Qu’Appelle River Basin are expected to remain in the normal operating ranges,” the release stated.

A more detailed assessment of potential runoff conditions will be released after the snowpack survey data is gathered later this month. That data will come from over 100 locations across the province.

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com