City taking action during pothole and spring melt season

As temperatures begin to climb and snow starts to melt, residents may see water collecting on streets and in back lanes across Saskatoon. Some temporary ponding is expected during the spring thaw, but the City is actively monitoring conditions and responding where drainage problems occur.

Crews are continuing to remove snow piles from priority streets. Although warmer weather naturally reduces snowbanks, removing them now helps limit excessive water buildup, collects remaining sand and debris, and allows streets to dry sooner. This also allows street sweeping operations to begin earlier, which helps reduce spring dust.

City crews are also monitoring locations that are more prone to drainage issues and are clearing key drainage routes in advance. A gradual melt typically reduces the likelihood of flooding, but when temperatures remain above freezing overnight, drainage problems can appear more quickly and crews may be responding to a higher number of calls.

If residents notice water pooling on their street and believe a catch basin may be blocked, they are encouraged to check whether it is covered by snow or ice. If it is safe to do so, clearing the obstruction can help water drain more effectively. If residents are unable to clear it, they should contact the City’s Customer Care Centre at 306-975-2476, or report water ponding or flooding on the City’s Drainage Issue webform. Crews prioritize calls where flooding threatens property, affects busy intersections or crosswalks, or interferes with vehicle traffic.

The spring thaw also exposes potholes that developed over winter. Residents who see potholes can report them quickly using the City’s Report-a-Pothole online map. Temporary repairs using cold-mix asphalt are underway on priority streets. Permanent repairs with hot-mix asphalt begin once asphalt plants reopen in the spring.

Back lanes may also become uneven and muddy as frost leaves the ground. While this can make lanes difficult to navigate, grading crews cannot smooth them until the surface dries enough to support heavy equipment without causing additional damage. Once conditions improve, crews will begin grading back lanes throughout the city.

Residents can help reduce issues around their homes by making sure drainage paths are clear, directing meltwater away from buildings, and coordinating with neighbours when necessary.

More information about spring melt preparations is available at saskatoon.ca/springmelt.