Saskatchewan Expects Above Normal Spring Runoff
VANCOUVER - Feb 17/11 - SNS -- Spring runoff levels will likely be above normal through much of Saskatchewan's agricultural region, judging from the latest outlook report from the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority.
"This estimate is based on the soil moisture conditions at freeze-up and the existing snowpack accumulations as of the end of January and assumes average climatic conditions to the end of spring runoff," the provincial authority said.
"Above normal spring precipitation and/or a faster melt than normal would result in higher runoff. Also it must be emphasized that this forecast is based on limited precipitation data and should be used as a general guide for large areas. Local conditions may vary significantly."
The present snowpack condition of the western portion of the agricultural area of the province is above normal. The present snowpack condition of the eastern portion of the agricultural area of the province is well above normal. Fall moisture conditions were very wet due to above normal summer and fall precipitation. Due to the combination of the wet fall and above normal winter snowpack there is a potential for high runoff across the agricultural area of the province.
The present snowpack condition across the northern forested portion of the Province is generally near normal. Fall precipitation in the north was also near normal.
Summer 2010 precipitation across the entire agricultural portion of the Province was very high. In many areas it was the wettest summer on record. In addition to widespread above normal general rainfall there were also several high intensity local rainfall events.
Fall precipitation was also well above normal across the entire Province. Freeze-up generally occurred in mid November. The western portion of the province went into freeze-up with adequate topsoil moisture conditions while topsoil in the eastern portion of the province had a surplus.
In the eastern portion of the agricultural portion rivers, creeks and lakes went into freeze up at very high levels for that time of year.
It is worth noting that Environment Canada's accumulated precipitation totals for Saskatchewan are lower than those reported through field observations. Even so, current data indicates there are "well above normal snowpack across the agricultural portion of the province. However, preliminary snow survey sampling conducted by Saskatchewan Watershed Authority in southwest corner of the Province indicates that the snow water equivalent estimated by satellite is higher than field measurements.
"In March, more extensive field measurements will be conducted in an attempt to confirm water equivalent in the snowpack. A moderate La Nina in the equatorial pacific is expected to continue through the remaining winter months of 2011 which could result in significant additional snowfall."
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