WSA not expecting above-average spring runoff in Saskatchewan

The Water Security Agency doesn’t expect above-normal spring runoff in any areas of Saskatchewan.

In its 2021 Conditions at Freeze-Up Report — which was released Wednesday — the WSA said long-range weather forecasts suggest near-normal to above-normal precipitation through the winter, but the dry conditions experienced this summer and fall mean even an above-normal snowpack likely won’t create an above-average snowmelt runoff.

“Weather modelling data indicates that parts of central and northern Saskatchewan could see wetter-than-normal conditions between December and March, and near-normal precipitation for the rest of Saskatchewan,” the WSA said in a media release.

“Due to minimal runoff in spring 2021 followed by what was generally a hot and dry summer, most agricultural areas of the province are currently experiencing drier-than-normal moisture conditions.”

Those dry conditions mean there likely won’t be above-normal runoff in the spring in Saskatchewan’s grain belt.

The report also noted the dry conditions across southern and central portions of the province likely will affect the water supply in 2022.

“In areas where the risk is high or extreme, even a normal snowpack would likely result in further water supply shortages in 2022,” the report said.

The initial Spring Runoff Outlook for 2022 will be issued in early February.