Water levels across Saskatchewan improving, agency reports

Snow drifts in Regina, Sask. can be seen in this file photo. (David Prisciak/CTV News)

Following several consecutive winters of below average snowfall, the province reports that runoff conditions have improved this spring.

“While much of Saskatchewan experienced below-normal precipitation, leading to dry conditions at freeze-up last fall, overall conditions improved compared to last year,” the Water Security Agency (WSA) said in a statement Thursday.

According to the WSA, most major reservoirs in southern Saskatchewan are at or above normal levels – and are expected to maintain normal levels following the spring runoff.

Regardless, precipitation over the winter has been variable across the province with below normal in south-central and northern Saskatchewan to above normal in parts of the southwest and west central.

• Download the CTV News app to get breaking news alerts sent to your device

As of March 13, Saskatchewan’s main water supply of Lake Diefenbaker is recording above normal levels and inflows of near normal.

“In anticipation of potential below normal runoff from the alpine region, WSA has implemented an overwinter operating plan at Lake Diefenbaker that still focuses on retaining water supplies to ensure safe, reliable drinking water for communities and other users,” Minister Responsible for the Water Security Agency Daryl Harrison said in the update.

A complete assessment of potential runoff conditions will be made available after from snowpack survey data gathered in late February. The assessment will be based on data from over 100 locations across the province.

According to the province, parts of southern and central Saskatchewan are expected to see above normal runoff – while below normal conditions continue for Saskatchewan’s north, south and east-central regions.

Reservoirs in the Souris Basin and the lakes in the Qu’Appelle River Basin are expected to remain within normal operating ranges.