Below-normal runoff in central, southern Sask. could affect lake levels

Water levels on recreational lakes in some areas of Saskatchewan could be low this summer if there isn’t more snow in the coming weeks.

The Water Security Agency (WSA) issued its updated spring runoff report for March on Thursday, and moisture conditions are expected to be low in some central and southern regions of the province.

“A band encompassing North Battleford, Swift Current and Regina are still expected to receive a below-normal runoff, while most of the far south including Assiniboia, Estevan and Weyburn are anticipated to receive a well-below-normal runoff,” the WSA said in a media release.

Areas east of Highway 4 and south of the Trans-Canada Highway could be very dry if there isn’t more moisture. The WSA said that could affect water levels on smaller reservoirs and dugouts as well as on lakes such as those in the Qu’Appelle Valley.

The WSA said water supplies at larger reservoirs should be fine.

Northern and central parts of Saskatchewan, including Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Melfort and La Ronge, are expected to see near-normal runoffs.

Regions in southwestern Saskatchewan, including Kindersley, Leader and Cypress Hills, also are expected to receive a near-normal runoff.

Higher-than-normal runoffs could occur in the far north because of the extremely wet conditions that were experienced in the fall. However, the WSA said the risk of flooding due to snowmelt runoff is low “unless there is significant precipitation prior to or during the spring melt and/or a rapid melt.”

A final report on the runoff is expected in early April.