Prairie Canada
MANITOBA
Although winter has yet to release its icy grip, the past two months have brought some relief from the frequent snowfall events described in previous reports. Snow accumulations are average to slightly above average for the Virden and Minnedosa/Shoal Lake pothole regions, while the more southerly Killarney pothole region has slightly less accumulations.
However, a strong snowpack remains due to average or below average temperatures.
Some gradual melting has occurred recently, which has settled some snow. Worked fields are starting to show some loss of snowpack in the Killarney region, while most other areas only have 10 per cent field exposure. Heavy snowpack still exists in ditches, fencelines, grasslands and pastures, as well as in treed areas throughout the region.
Rivers remain frozen at this time. Provincial flood forecasts continue to indicate that a spring flood is imminent, and its severity will only depend on weather conditions during the spring melt period.
Despite current winter-like conditions, pairs of hardy Canada geese have been observed since March 16.
Grasslands and planted forages had a great growing season last year, which should help to provide good nesting cover for early-arriving waterfowl species such as pintail and mallard. They will also benefit from the significant amount of winter wheat that was sown last year.
At this time, a high rate of melting is expected when temperatures turn. The good snowpack, coupled with the wet conditions of last fall, will cause substantial overland flow of water, which should bode well for waterfowl breeding in southwest Manitoba.
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