The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency is pulling double duty this spring, trying to mitigate flooding events while also preparing for wildfire season.  

SPSA Vice President of Operations Steve Roberts says crews are preparing pumps and hoses for later in the year, while also ensuring a stock of sandbags and flood prevention equipment are readily available. 

He adds that although the significant snowpack that collected over the winter is causing some local states of emergency due to flooding, it’s also prolonging the start of wildfire season.  

“What we saw last year, which led to some of our problems, is we never did receive a big snowpack, and it was followed by no rain, which means that the grass did not turn green, the leaves did not pop out, and it became very dry, very high risk, and maintained that way through the early season right into summer.”

Three rural municipalities have declared local states of emergency due to rapid snow melt and flooding. They are the RMs of Meadow Lake, Invergordon, and Elfros.

Jeff Dedekker with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency says right now, several Meadow Lake residents are on the brink of evacuation.

“A few roads could wash out if the water levels rise, which could temporarily strand seven homes. Residents are aware and are prepared with emergency supplies. 

That area saw a 1-in-100-year spring runoff event this year. However, more common throughout the rest of the province were 1-in-25-year runoff events. 

As the temperatures continue to rise, areas of significant snowpack north of Lloydminster, east of Saskatoon, and north of Yorkton will likely see additional flooding.