Well Below Normal Runoff Predicted In Moose Jaw Region

It seems that so far this Winter there has been more than enough snowfall but if you take a look at the preliminary potential runoff map our farmer friends and others are likely going to need a lot more to wash out and fill their dugouts in just about eight to 10 weeks time.

In their February 1st, 2021 map of potential Spring runoff the Water Security Agency is predicting Well Below Normal runoff in the area directly around Moose Jaw.

Excerpt from the potential runoff map show a good portion of the area around Moose Jaw Well Below Normal - Source Water Security Agency

For the last two years the Moose Jaw region has had below normal amounts of precipitation which has led to the depletion of soil moisture reserves.

The drought like conditions have turned the soil into a sponge which may, depending on the speed of the Spring melt, absorb the majority of moisture from snow limiting any potential runoff.

In 2020 the Moose Jaw region experienced the lowest recorded precipitation in 104 years when 179.6 millimeters or 7.04724 inches were recorded.

Drought Region

Agriculture and Agri-food Canada drought indicator map shows the region directly (dark brown) around Moose Jaw as a severe drought region.

Elsewhere through the province the amount of potential Spring runoff varies from above normal in the far north to well below normal in the southeastern parts of the province over to the west including the region around Moose Jaw.