13 Saskatchewan communities remain under flooding emergencies

Flood waters creep toward a farm in near Wawa, Saskatchewan on Sunday, May 5, 2013.

Thirteen Saskatchewan communities, including two First Nations, remain under a state of emergency after warmer temperatures last week led to widespread flooding across the southern half of the province.

Over the weekend the James Smith First Nation, the Cowessess First Nation and the rural municipality of Fish Creek were added to the list of communities that have declared flooding emergencies, bringing the tally to 13.

The Water Security Agency said satellite images show there is a “substantial” amount of snow left across the northern part of Saskatchewan, as well as between the province’s capital region and Moose Jaw, and across the agricultural belt.

Officials are anticipating the run-off levels from the snow melt, which was delayed due to the colder-than-normal spring, to be above or well-above normal.

"With rising levels, lakes that still have ice cover will pose a threat of ice damage to shoreline property, particularly during periods of strong winds," officials said in a statement.

In Regina, letters have been delivered to 340 homes, advising residents to be prepared to evacuate should the Wascana Creek flood. Sandbags and other water barricades are currently lining sections of the creek which runs through the city

Meanwhile, officials said the worst of flooding in the town of Radisson, approximately 68 km northwest of Saskatoon, may be over as water levels appear to be dropping.

In Moose Jaw, officials said the Moose Jaw River’s water level peaked on Friday and is beginning to decline.

With files from The Canadian Press