Water reservoir levels are in good shape heading into what is expected to be another dry spring, according to the Water Security Agency (WSA). 

Thirty-three out of 45 major reservoirs are near full or expected to fill. Six reservoirs are between 70 to 90 per cent full and still filling.  

The six remaining reservoirs are not expected to fully fill, with most of them in the southwestern part of the province. 

“This is really a look at where we are as far as reservoir levels overall in the province and, given the dry conditions in the last couple of years, it’s a good update to see. We did have a conservative over-winter plan for the reservoirs across Saskatchewan. We’re seeing how that turned out,” said Patrick Boyle with the Water Security Agency. 

According to the WSA, Lake Diefenbaker is Saskatchewan’s largest reservoir as it supplies over 60 per cent of the province’s water supply.  

The WSA had a conservative plan for Lake Diefenbaker to retain and store water in anticipation of dry conditions. 

“As a result of some of those good management practices and that sound decision making, Lake Diefenbaker is about a metre higher than it was this time last year and over 1.5 metres high than the same time in 2022. So, effectively, we’re going to meet our targets probably about a month earlier than we normally would,” said Boyle. 

The WSA says snowpack conditions over the winter ranged from below normal to well-below normal including the Moose Jaw area. The WSA is continuing to monitor moisture levels and weather forecasts as the runoff conditions could change as we head into spring. 

“As temperatures stay above zero overnight, that’s what we watch for. We really look for the plus-five to minus-five swing during the day and nighttime and that gives you that slow gradual melt. If temperatures turn and things get warm at night, then the water moves faster,” Boyle said. 

Regular runoff updates are expected to be released by the WSA ahead of their annual Runoff Report.