Advertisement

Spring runoff expected to be below normal in southern Saskatchewan

A dry 2017, and a lack of winter snow could be disasterous for farmers in 2018. Colton Praill / Global News

Saskatchewan’s Water Security Agency is forecasting below-normal spring runoff across southern areas of the province.

A preliminary report released today says based on current conditions, it will take well above average precipitation in February, March and April to produce above-average runoff in the region.

The report also anticipates that water supply issues which surfaced late last summer will intensify for municipalities and irrigators across the south unless there’s significant precipitation.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The agency said extremely low rainfall last summer led to record dry conditions in some locations that were made worse by a dry fall.

As a result, soil moisture at freeze-up was extremely low and most lakes and reservoirs that were full or near full last spring are now at below-average levels.

Story continues below advertisement

The agency is forecasting near-normal runoff across northern areas.

The Meadow Lake and the Upper Churchill River regions are expected to get normal to slightly above normal runoff.

Sponsored content

AdChoices