MANITOBA

Given the current snowpack, wetland conditions are expected to improve this spring. At the time of this report, a major winter storm is adding to that snowpack across southwest areas.
The Killarney Pothole Region, as wellas the majority of the Virden Landscape, have received average to slightly-above average precipitation this winter. The Minnedosa/Shoal Lake Pothole Region has received above-average snowfall, with an increase in accumulations in the northwest corner of this range.

The northern reaches of the Virden Landscape are also reporting above-average accumulations. Temperatures haven’t varied far from normal, and forecasts indicate that spring won’t arrive early, which should bode well for a quicker late-March runoff to further benefit wetlands. A good snowpack persists throughout the southwest Parkland, and fields remain 100 per cent covered. One slight offset to the favorable snowpack stems from the the less-than- favourable fall soil moisture conditions. This could limit the duration of ephemeral and temporary basins, depending on climatic variables over the next month. A late, quick melt and additional spring precipitation will help secure good spring conditions. Seasonal and semi-permanent basins are experiencing a great snow catch, which will provide good habitat for arriving pairs.