Above normal spring runoff expected between Regina and Saskatoon

Lake Diefenbaker in an energy, agricultural and recreation hub in Saskatchewan. (Jeremy Simes/CTV Regina)

The province’s water regulator predicts an above-normal spring runoff between Regina and Saskatoon in the coming weeks as a heavier snowpack remains on the ground.

In an updated forecast released Thursday, the Water Security Agency said heavy snowfall in late March that brought as much as 20 centimetres to some regions from Lloydminster to Yorkton will not significantly increase runoff for most of the region.

Spring runoff is already well underway across most of southwestern and southern areas of the province, but freezing overnight temperatures have slowed down the pace, the province said in a news release.

• Download the CTV News app for Saskatchewan related news alerts on your smartphone

Other parts of southern and central Saskatchewan have seen much of the runoff seep into soil. That, combined with below normal precipitation over the past month, is expected to create near-normal runoff conditions.

In northern Saskatchewan, the province expects runoff to remain mostly unchanged. Much of the Churchill River Basin and further north is expected to see a below normal runoff.

“Current reservoir levels at Lake Diefenbaker are more than one meter higher than average for this time of year as a result of the limited drawdown and early runoff in the southern prairie region. As part of its overwinter operations plan to retain water supplies, WSA expects to exceed the recreational target of 552 meters by May 15. Under this plan, we are well-positioned to support community supply, recreation, irrigation and industry as the reservoir is already ahead of the May 1 irrigation target of 551.5 meters,” the province said in a release.

The full runoff report can be read here.