Saskatchewan Spring Runoff Outlook for 2026: Most Areas Near or Below Normal
Saskatchewan Spring Runoff Outlook for 2026: Most Areas Near or Below Normal
The Water Security Agency (WSA) has released its 2026 spring runoff outlook, with most of Saskatchewan expected to see near to below normal runoff this spring.
According to the outlook, the southwest region of the province - from Kindersley to Assiniboia - is expected to see well below normal runoff, while eastern Saskatchewan near Yorkton could experience above normal conditions.
Read the full report from the WSA
Dry Fall Contributed to Lower Runoff Expectations
Much of Saskatchewan experienced below-average precipitation in fall 2025, which resulted in relatively dry conditions before winter freeze-up. Snowfall during the winter has generally been near normal across the province, though northern and west-central areas received somewhat higher precipitation.
Southern areas near the Manitoba border have seen less than normal winter snowfall, which may limit runoff in those regions.
Mountain Snowpack Could Boost Lake Diefenbaker Inflows
Snowpack in the Alberta Rockies - which heavily influences late spring flows in the Saskatchewan River Basin - is currently well above normal.
If those conditions continue, snowmelt flows into Lake Diefenbaker during May and June could be above normal, potentially boosting water levels in the reservoir.
Reservoir Levels Mostly Normal
Most major water supply reservoirs in southern Saskatchewan, including those in the Qu'Appelle River system, are currently at or above normal levels and are expected to remain near normal after spring runoff.
However, a few reservoirs are currently lower than usual, including:
Some reservoirs in the Bigstick Basin and Reindeer Lake may also remain below normal if dry conditions continue.
Lower precipitation is also expected to lead to reduced flows and lake levels in the Churchill River Basin.
Monitoring Spring Conditions
The Water Security Agency says it will continue to monitor conditions throughout the spring, particularly snowpack levels in southern Alberta, which strongly influence flows into Saskatchewan’s major river systems.
