Prairie Canada
ALBERTA
Mid March has seen the arrival of near spring-like temperatures in southern Alberta, and seasonal temperatures elsewhere. Spring snows have started over the past few days, and the southern Prairie is expecting heavy snowfall (up to 50 cm in Cypress Hills) in late March.
Precipitation totals for the winter (November 1 to present) have been near normal across most of the agricultural zone of the province. In late February and early March, precipitation totals were below average in the Prairie, Aspen Parkland and Boreal Transition Zone (BTZ), and average to above average in the Peace Parkland.
In the southern Prairie, snow cover ranges from 0 to 10 per cent in the Milk River-Lethbridge-Calgary-Chinook zone, to over 50 per cent in the Brooks-Medicine Hat-Cypress Hills area. Recent melting has created some field water, as well as some flow in ditches and creeks. High stream advisories have been issued for areas near Cypress Hills, where Alberta Environment reports that snow course readings (snow cover measurements that indicate moisture levels) are well above average. In the northern Prairie, Aspen Parkland and BTZ, there is 80-100 per cent snow cover, and snow course reading are average to much above average. In the Peace Parkland, there is currently 1 m of snow on the ground, and snow course readings are above average to much above average. The southern mountain snowpack is also improving, to well above average in the headwaters of the southern tributaries of the South Saskatchewan River, and to slightly above average in the headwaters of the northern tributaries.
The recent spring snow contains more moisture than typical winter snow, and it will enhance the runoff potential this spring. Environment Canada's spring forecast is calling for cooler than normal temperatures and near normal precipitation. If a rapid melt occurs, this will recharge wetlands before meltwaters evaporate or have an opportunity to soak into the soil. Given the generally good frost seal observed in the fall of 2010, coupled with average to above average snow pack this winter, the spring runoff is predicted to be good to excellent through most of the agricultural zone of the province. Spring habitat conditions are anticipated to be the best in a number of years.
The relatively warm weather appears to have prompted the northward migration of Canada geese, mallards and northern pintails into southern Alberta. Canada geese have been observed as far north as Camrose.