It looks like spring will finally arrive in Saskatchewan this week, with temperatures warming up into the double digits, and even approaching the 20-degree mark.
The sudden warm-up has many communities in the province ramping up preparations for an increased risk of flooding, with a heavy snowpack still left over in some areas that's expected to melt quickly.
However, in Swift Current, things are looking okay thanks to a slow melt and early runoff in parts of the southwest.
"The majority of the snow above the Duncairn Dam has melted, and the release from the dam is now matching infill," said City Fire Chief Denis Pilon. "I believe it's about 125 cubic feet per second, so it's way down from where it was earlier in the spring. The area between the dam and the city has had limited melt, so could be some heavy run coming from that, but we don't think it will be severe enough to cause any concern."
Despite the fact the flood threat in Swift Current has eased, Pilon says they will stay on top of the situation in case of any dramatic changes.
"Unless we get a heavy rainstorm in a month, I think we're just fine," he added.
The Water Security Agency had predicted an above normal runoff for Swift Current and the southwest, but reported that runoff was underway or complete in their last forecast earlier in April.
A few areas of Saskatchewan, including those around Moose Jaw, Regina, Weyburn and north of Saskatoon, are expected to receive a very high runoff and an increased risk of flooding, and the WSA had said that as temperatures head into the double-digits, flooding could occur within five days.
Fri, Apr 26, 10:00 AM
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