QUÉBEC

Monthly mean temperatures were 1-4 C above normal in January, and the Eastern Townships and Abitibi region were particularly mild. In February, mean temperatures were 2 C below the norm, except in eastern areas, where temperatures were normal.

January precipitation was 20 percent below the norm. February followed the same pattern, with approximately 30-60 percent less precipitation than normal.

Mild temperatures have somewhat reduced the snowpack, with approximately 75 per cent less snow than average. Only in the Ottawa River Valley region is the snowpack close to normal.The mean St. Lawrence water level, as measured at Sorel station, has been 40 per cent lower than normal since September. With the February temeratures, the frost seal is good on the St. Lawrence channel. The outlook for spring runoff is fair, but this situation could change quickly. Habitat conditions are fair in all regions except in
the west, where they are good.