The big melt of 2013 is yet to come, although Maple Creek seems to have a jump on the rest of the province. The big melt of 2013 is yet to come, although Maple Creek seems to have a jump on the rest of the province. (Submitted by Lewis Bevan)

Environment Minister Ken Cheveldayoff continues to raise concerns about the potential for flooding this spring.

In a new conference Friday, he said high snow packs in areas from Moose Jaw to Indian Head, including Regina, are making flooding a real possibility.

He's also concerned about the Shellbrook, Blaine Lake, and Rosthern areas.

Cheveldayoff says everyone should prepare before the big melt begins.

"People in their houses should try to get their snow away from their foundation as much as possible," he said. "If they don't have a sump pump, the suggestion is they put one in."

Earlier this month, Cheveldayoff reported that spring runoff was expected to be higher than normal for much of the province, with Regina and Moose Jaw being two areas of particular concern.

Since then, there has been more snow piling up across the province, possibly making a bad situation worse. The province is already working with officials in North Dakota to get ready for an above average runoff. Water has been released from the Rafferty and Alameda in the Estevan area to make room for spring runoff.