Snowfall brightens runoff forecast in some parts of Sask., but more moisture needed

The recent storm that dropped more than a foot of snow on parts of Saskatchewan has improved the spring runoff forecast in some areas.

A map showing Saskatchewan’s updated runoff forecast for the spring. (Water Security Agency/Submitted)

But despite the increased optimism in the forecast, the Water Security Agency says even more moisture is needed to stave off drought conditions this year.

“A near-normal runoff is expected in the Saskatoon area and west toward Biggar, as well as in the eastern portions of the grain belt along the Manitoba border,” the agency said in a statement Tuesday.

“The remainder of the province is expected to experience below- to well-below-normal runoff this spring.”

Despite the snowstorm, which the agency said dropped as much as 40 centimetres of snow on some parts of the province and improved the potential runoff, the snowpack in most of the province was still rated below or well below normal as of March 4.

In the Big Stick area and some parts of southern Saskatchewan, the agency said drier-than-normal conditions could lead to localized water supply shortages in the spring.

“Although drier conditions persist, most major water supply reservoirs in southern Saskatchewan are at or above normal levels; however, reservoirs such as Avonlea and some in the southwest (e.g., Altawan and Cypress) may experience surface water supply concerns due to the depleted snowpack,” the agency further noted.

David Marit, minister responsible for the Water Security Agency, said the snowfall has helped the situation for producers, but the government is ready to help those who continue to struggle with dry conditions.

“More moisture will be needed as temperatures continue to stay above zero,” Marit said in a statement.