SASKATCHEWAN

Virtually all agricultural areas have received above-average winter snowfall — over 200 per cent of normal in some places. Most areas are reporting 1.5-2 ft of snow in stubble fields, as well as sizable snow drifts in fence lines, shelterbelts and wetlands due to windy conditions.

Southwestern areas received above-average temperatures, and much of the snow had melted until a recent storm dropped 10-20 cm across the region. Central and northern areas of the province are still very muchlocked in the grip of winter. The Saskatchewan Water Security Agency is predicting above-normal to well-abovenormal spring runoff for nearly all of southern and central Saskatchewan.

Although wetland conditions had dried significantly in some areas last fall, the above-average snowfall should more than make up for it, providing very good to excellent pond numbers for returning breeding waterfowl.