Water Security Agency’s conditions at freeze-up report says province having dry winter

The Water Security Agency’s (WSA) Conditions at Freeze-up Report says the province is experiencing a dry winter in most areas. Early summer and spring precipitations were higher than normal while the last half of summer and fall experienced soil conditions drier than normal at freeze-up. 

Southern and central Saskatchewan have adequate supplies of later water reservoirs. 

WSA believes there are no heightened risks of normal spring runoff in 2023. However, there are concerns about surface water supply issues if the average snowfall is below average during winter.

Soil moisture improved over two significant snowfall events in the southwest and east-central portions. Surveys on snow will help to determine whether moisture will infiltrate into the soil or run off toward reservoirs in Feb. 2023.

WSA issues the Conditions at Freeze-up Report during the late fall/early winter period. The initial base for the spring snowmelt runoff forecast in combination with the winter snowpack will depend on the freeze-up conditions. An early indication of areas that are more vulnerable and volatile compared with normal runoff in spring is indicated within the report. This forecast is not a spring runoff, as winter snow accumulation is an integral component in the runoff yield during the melt and is impossible to predict at this juncture.

This assessment is compiled with data from various sources including Environment and Climate Change Canada and the US National Weather Service. The initial Spring Runoff outlook for 2023 will be issued in early Feb.