While rural areas are bracing for the thaw, so are Saskatchewan towns and cities. The city of Prince Albert is encouraging its residents to prepare for a wet spring.
Experts say well above normal runoff for Prince Albert and Spiritwood is forecast. They say spring flows mean that rivers could flood - even in areas with only an average melt rate.
It's all because of the heavy summer and fall rain - combined with above average snowpack conditions. The city of Prince Albert is already taking preventive measures, says Colin Innes, the Public Works Director for the city.
"There are some areas where we know there is more flooding in the springtime so we go and get rid of the excess snow there and our crews are on standby to thaw out basins and help water flow," said Innes.
The fire department in Prince Albert is warning you to use caution -- and common sense-- near the city's riverbanks. They say they have a plan in place if the rivers spill their banks.
"We will activate our emergency center at city hall to make sure were dealing with the flooding, also we have a crisis communication plan in place because if these floods are as bad as they could be we might have to do some evacuations, which we will do in an effective and co-ordinated manner," said Les Karpluk, Prince Albert Fire Chief.
The watershed authority will be making a presentation on flooding for homeowners on Friday night at the Prince Albert Golf and Curling Club. Meanwhile the city is asking residents to clear any snow buildup around house exteriors and roofs so they are ready when the thaw begins.
