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SASKATOON — City crews are now preparing with their boiler trucks and other clearing equipment to respond to ponding at frozen or blocked catch basins as warmer days are expected.

It is also time to plan for snowmelt to drain on private and public property. Residents can help by uncovering catch basins on their street when safe to do so.

This winter had an above-average number of snowfalls, leaving Saskatoon with extra snow on the streets to melt over the next few weeks.

Fortunately, the forecast is showing daytime temperatures just above zero and overnight temperatures well below zero.

This combination should result in a slow melt, allowing snow piles to melt along the curbs into catch basins without collecting into large ponds.

What you can expect:

1. The city's storm sewer system can easily carry the flow of snowmelt. Most ponding around catch basins is caused by ice blocking the drain.
2. Crews are defrosting catch basins and clearing gutters to improve drainage, keeping a close eye on intersections prone to flooding.
3. City workers will be patching potholes and maintaining the gravel cover on utility cuts that start to sink during the melting.

How residents can help:

1. Clear snow and ice from sidewalks and paths to reduce ponding and dangerous ice during the thaw/freeze cycle.
2. Keep snow in your yard. If you throw it on the street, it can create rutting issues or affect drainage.
3. Safely clear snow, ice and debris from the catch basins in your area once temperatures are above freezing.
4. Create an opening for drainage from your back yard to the back lane if there is a snow pile along your back yard.
5. Report a location where water is collecting and impacting traffic, crosswalks on busy streets, or private property to the city's Customer Care Centre at 306-975-2476.

If the snow melts quickly, your home or property may be at risk of flooding, even if you haven’t flooded before.

The city says, "We hope that doesn’t happen, but just to be safe, please check out our tips to help reduce your risk of a snowmelt flood in your home at ."