There is an increased possibility that spring conditions in Yorkton could be such that the city experiences more flooding than is normal.
Recently Yorkton Mayor James Wilson took measures to lessen public concern holding a press conference on the issue.
"So this message to the citizens of Yorkton is just to dispel all those rumours about how the spring thaw is going to cause us all kinds of property damage," Wilson said.
While there does seem like a lot of snow out there, Wilson said snow cover is actually not particularly excessive. The area's snowpack is now considered normal for this time of year.
That said the present soil moisture conditions do present an elevated risk.
"Because 2010 saw the wettest fall on record, the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority indicates that there is no moisture storage available in the soil," said Wilson.
If the city experiences a warm spring without periods of refreezing, the sudden melt could spell trouble, a situation which could be made worse by a late snowfall, or rain.
While the chance of severe flooding may be remote, the City is taking a proactive approach to preparing for the possibility.
As it stands "Yorkton spends an average of $60,000 on snow removal related to drainage. No money is spent on inspection of the City's storm system," detailed a report by Trent Mandzuk, Director of Public Works told the regular meeting of Council Monday.
"Public Works proposes to spend an additional $30,000 on snow removal operations to help reduce loading on the drainage system."
The additional expenditure is part of a two-prong plan which received unanimous support from Council Monday.
The second effort will see the City of Yorkton taking a look at its underground drainage lines to ensure they are clear and ready to deal with an expected high spring run-off.
"Video inspection for the City's drainage study revealed significant debris remains within these systems following the recent flood. As a precautionary measure, Public Works wishes to conduct additional snow removal in attempt to prevent spring flooding. The Department also proposes video inspection of critical drainage mains. Administration and Associated Engineering identified areas prone to historical flooding and recommend these areas receive attention as soon as possible," stated the report.
However, the video inspection is not a cost covered in the current City budget.
"The Department wishes to conduct closed circuit inspections (CCTV) of key storm piping to verify its functionality. The estimated cost to inspect 7,000 meters of proposed pipeline is $40,000. These storm-sewers will be thoroughly cleaned during inspection," detailed Mandzuk's report.
Councillor Larry Pearen said the effort is something the public will see as positive.
"I think residents will be pleased with this," he said, adding it is a "proactive" effort by the City.
Pearen is right in that the efforts are positive ones. Anything which prepares the community to handle what will be a wetter than normal spring is important, and the moves approved Monday are a good step in that effort.ww
