SASKATOON – Some areas of the province may be in for flooding this spring.
Saskatchewan’s Water Security Agency has released its March spring runoff forecast and most of the province could see above normal runoff after above normal snowfall this winter.
Forecast in the Saskatoon region is expected to be well above normal with an area bounded by the north and south Saskatchewan Rivers south of Prince Albert expected to have very high runoff with widespread flooding very likely.
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The WSA says that could be a one in 25 year flooding event.
The Regina, Moose Jaw and Indian Head areas are also predicted to have very high runoff.
The agency says its predictions are based on average climatic conditions to the end of the spring runoff and the March forecast should be used as a general guide as local conditions can vary.
One impact that could affect flooding is the rate of melt and additional precipitation.
Above normal precipitation prior to runoff and/or a faster snow melt would result in significantly higher runoff.
Environment Canada is forecasting above normal precipitation in April and May for central and northern Saskatchewan and normal amounts in the south with temperatures forecast to be near normal for March.
As well, ice jamming can result in out of bank flow and flooding, even with normal flows.
WSA will continue to monitor spring runoff conditions with a more detailed forecast set to be released in April.
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