Lower than average runoff expected in SW Saskatchewan this spring
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on February 9, 2022.
https://www.medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews Southwest Saskatchewan will likely see lower than average runoff this spring following an extremely dry growing season in 2021, according to a new report. The Saskatchewan Water Authority made its February estimates this week stating there are eight to 10 weeks left in the winter season, but “without additional snowfall, surface water supply issues are likely to occur in southwestern Saskatchewan in 2022.” Most of the western side of the province experienced high or extreme drought conditions in 2021. That continued through freeze-up in the late fall. Now, below normal amounts of snow in the region are combined with a forecast of cooler than normal spring. The agency predicts “well below normal” runoff in a region north of Maple Creek to Rosetown and Kindersley and east to near Swift Current. Much of the remainder of southern half of the province is forecast to see “below normal” amounts, except for near normal conditions centred around Regina. The next forecast from the SWA is due in early March. The Alberta Environment water outlook at February is expected this week. The January report predicted above average river flows on most major basins from a larger that average mountain snow pack. Snow course readings for the Cypress Hills are typically published in March.. 8-7
