The province’s water security agency is predicting most of Saskatchewan should be spared from serious flooding this spring.
The exception is the Prince Albert area where there is no natural drainage and the ground is still water logged from last year.
The run off has already started in southwest Saskatchewan with no signs of flooding so far.
However, in the Prince Albert area the run off is expected to be well above normal.
There are also pockets in the Lloydminster and Rosetown areas where some flooding is expected.
Cumberland house is also expected to escape serious flooding this spring.
The community is affected by the level of the North Saskatchewan River which rises as the mountain snow pack melts in Alberta.
Although the snow pack is heavier than in 2013, the water security agency predicts Cumberland House will not see flooding unless there is substantial rainfall in addition to the spring melt.
Saskatchewan Water Security Agency Minister Ken Cheveldayoff says areas that need assistance with flooding will get it.
The government’s 2014 flood damage reduction program provides cash and technical assistance to help individuals, municipalities and First Nations deal with the issue.
Cheveldayoff says for every dollar spent on the program, $20 is saved in potential flood damage.
The program reimburses individuals 85 per cent of the cost of permanent flood protection measures such as the construction of berms and culverts.
Communities and businesses are eligible for 75 per cent of these costs.
The program also provides 50 per cent of the cost of temporary flood protection measures such as sand bags and pumping.
Projects must be approved by the water security agency in order to qualify for funding.
The flood damage reduction program was first started in 2011.
Since then, more than $35 million has been spent by the government on flood control measures.
In 2013 alone, the program spent more that $17 million.
Nearly 600 of the flood damage reduction program’s measures were permanent which substantially reduces the long-term threat of flooding.