Low spring run-off predicted by water agency

While all of Saskatchewan was shivering in minus 40 Celsius temperatures, the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency reported on expected spring run-off.

The preliminary assessment in February is not good news for many farmers and livestock operators.

Near normal run-off is predicted in the southwest for an area angling southeast from Swift Current to Coronach. Already dry last fall, this area has received between 80 per cent and 115 per cent of normal winter snowfall. Below normal run-off is predicted for much of the Moose Jaw region south to the U.S. border and east from Regina to the Manitoba border. Most of this area was dry last fall, receiving between 40 per cent and 85 per cent of normal winter snowfall.

The area north of Maple Creek and Swift Current to Kindersley, east to Outlook and south to Assiniboia will have below normal run-off. Most of that land had between 80 per cent and 85 per cent of normal winter snowfall. An area from Outlook to Marquis, bounded by the Yel- lowhead Highway on the north and the Trans-Canada Highway on the south to Manitoba should experience well below normal run-off.

This territory was partly dry to dry last fall with most if it receiving between 40 per cent and 65 per cent of normal winter snowfall.

The outlook for snowfall to compensate before spring is poor. The agency report says it would take well-above average precipitation in February, March and April to produce an above-average spring run-off.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Todd Smith, president of the Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation, welcomes delegates to the 90th Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation convention. (Matthew Gourlie photograph)