High spring run-off predicted for Sask. after soggy fall

The wet autumn months Saskatchewan experienced could result in higher run-off in the spring – especially if the province gets even an average amount of snow this winter.

That’s according to the province’s Water Security Agency (WSA), which released its 2016 Conditions at Freeze-Up report Friday.

A soggy fall is the first indicator to how much spring run-off there will be in 2017. The WSA pointed out that even though late October and early November were “relatively dry,” soil moisture levels and wetland storage were at or near capacity for much of Saskatchewan.

The WSA said most of its indicator stations across Saskatchewan reported record stream flows by the end of October – showing the extent of autumn moisture. According to these reports, the Moose Jaw area received a record of roughly 100 millimetres of rain in total.

Other factors determining spring run-off include how much snow the province receives this winter – and how that snow melts in the spring.

The WSA said these water basins currently have above normal moisture conditions:

• Swift Current Creek
• Wood River
• Notekeu Creek
• Lower Carrot River
• Red Deer River
• Upper Assiniboine River
• Swan River

The WSA said, based on current conditions across Saskatchewan, an average amount of snow pack and spring melt could result in “above normal” run-off in the spring.

The WSA will release its first Spring Run-off Outlook for 2017 in February.