Spring Runoff not Expected to Effect Moose Jaw

Robert Thomas

Spring runoff doesn’t appear to be a major concern in the Moose Jaw region, as dry soil conditions and the near normal precipitation from snowfall is likely to be absorbed by the soil; that’s according to the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency forecast.

“In Moose Jaw and area we don’t anticipate a lot of problems locally, perhaps the odd culvert, there won’t be widespread issues,” Patrick Boyle, with the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency said.

“We’ve had well below normal precipitation in the Summer of 2017 and the same in the Fall. The landscape has a lot of capacity,” Boyle stated.

Prior to the March snowfall, there was a band of potentially drier areas running from Maple Creek, Moose Jaw to Estevan, with little precipitation, which shrunk with the snow.

The late Spring may cause runoff concerns in some areas, but it's unlikely here in Moose Jaw.

“The further we get into April, you run the risk of runoff if temperatures rise rapidly; if we get rain on top of the snow,” Boyle stated, adding “we are not seeing any major runoff issues in Moose Jaw and area.”

“We have to see a lot of rainfall during the Spring to cause issues in Moose Jaw and area.”

One area where the Agency has provided assistance due to the hot conditions, in 2017, is the testing water sup such as dugouts used to water livestock. Hot and dry weather can cause evaporation and saline levels to rise. Higher salinity levels can make livestock sick or be toxic.

Runoff helps to replenish and clean out and clean surface water supplies.

In the Fall, the Agency did 1000 water tests to help insure water was safe for drinking. They are also working with the Ministry of Agriculture to help ensure farmers and ranchers have access to clean water for livestock and other uses.

moose jawApril 11, 2018