News
Saskatchewan expects high runoff

Apr. 9, 2013, Regina, SK - An above normal runoff is expected for the majority of Saskatchewan, while the areas that have the potential for very high runoff and flooding have increased. These areas include Moose Jaw to Indian Head then south to Weyburn, and from Saskatoon to North Battleford extending north to Waskesiu Lake.

Saskatchewan's Water Security Agency (WSA) minister Ken Cheveldayoff says with the additional snowfall in March, areas in the Souris River and Qu'Appelle River basins have been the most affected. "To help prepare for the runoff, the Water Security Agency has been increasing the outflow of water from Rafferty and Alameda reservoirs as well as holding several meetings with municipalities to address their concerns and inform them of programs available," he notes.

Throughout March, Saskatchewan government held a number of meetings in at-risk regions, providing more than 200 communities with information and advice on actions they can take to prevent and respond to flooding. An informational open house was held in Estevan last week and there are additional open houses being planned this week in Regina, Fort Qu'Appelle/Regina Beach and Melville.

WSA launched the 2013 Emergency Flood Damage Reduction Program (EFDRP). This program provides assistance with the implementation of emergency flood damage reduction or prevention measures. The program is available to communities, rural municipalities, businesses, non-profit organizations and individual farm residences to help mitigate damage from imminent flooding.

WSA has also launched a mobile website, giving users the ability to browse the most up-to-date news and advisories on a smartphone or tablet. Users can also search a list of communities and to find their local area and view a chart of the stream flows and lake levels nearest them. To visit the mobile site, go to www.wsask.ca on a smartphone or tablet.

The April forecast should be used as a general guide as local conditions may vary. The full forecast is available online at www.wsask.ca.

April 9, 2013  By Gov't of Saskatchewan