1. WESTERN CANADA
In northern British Columbia, winter precipitation was less than half the average, but lingering cold temperatures have preserved the snowpack, and subsequent runoff is expected to benefit wetland water levels. Most of the interior received above-average winter precipitation, which should help alleviate drought conditions. On the coast, late winter was wet, with some areas receiving double the average precipitation. Small flocks of swans, geese, and mallards began arriving in mid-March.
2. WESTERN BOREAL FOREST
Despite above-average late-winter precipitation, long-term drought continues across much of this vast region, with the Northwest Territories and northern Manitoba experiencing the driest conditions. However, water levels remain stable in most areas, and wetland conditions are generally promising for breeding ducks and geese. By the end of March, migrating waterfowl had begun to trickle back into the region.
3. PRAIRIE CANADA
Winter precipitation ranged from roughly 50 percent of average in the south to 150 percent of average in the north. Drought conditions persist throughout southern Alberta and in southwestern and northeastern Saskatchewan. Even in areas that received considerable snowfall, warm temperatures and repeated melting events reduced spring runoff. Many small wetlands are fully flooded, while larger basins remain below capacity. Cooler March temperatures, particularly in the north, delayed the spring thaw. Despite remnant ice cover, geese, swans, and northern pintails were returning by mid-March.
4. CENTRAL CANADA
Across Ontario and Quebec, late winter was colder than average in the north and warmer than average in the south. Winter precipitation was near or below average across much of southern and eastern Ontario and southern Quebec. Despite lingering moisture deficits, runoff and snowmelt have helped recharge seasonal wetlands, and the spring migration was progressing at a moderate pace.
5. ATLANTIC CANADA
Cool temperatures have lingered across Canada’s Atlantic provinces, and ice cover was still present on larger wetlands in late March. Little snowpack remains, which has limited local flooding. By early April, mallards, American black ducks, and Canada geese were returning to the region. Most wetlands continue to provide habitat for arriving waterfowl despite reduced water levels following last year’s dry conditions.
6. NORTH-CENTRAL US
Wetland conditions in eastern South Dakota ranged from poor in the south to average in the north. A bright spot is the northeastern corner of the state, which received heavy snowfall in early April, resulting in better-than-average wetland conditions. South-central North Dakota also received significant spring snowfall, which improved wetland conditions in this area. Fair wetland conditions prevail in other parts of the state. In eastern Montana, above-average temperatures, high winds, and little precipitation have resulted in poor wetland conditions. DU biologists continue to observe good upland game bird populations across the region following the mild winter.
7. GREAT LAKES/NORTHEASTERN US
March brought above-average precipitation to most of the Great Lakes and northeastern United States. However, pockets of abnormally dry to severe drought persist, especially in the northeast. More spring precipitation is needed in these areas to improve wetland conditions for breeding waterfowl.
8. WESTERN US
A heat dome in late February brought record-high temperatures to much of the West. Snowpack in the Intermountain West is far below normal in many areas, and widespread drought is expected to persist in the region. Wetland conditions in the Great Salt Lake, Klamath Basin, and Central Valley are likely to be poor for breeding waterfowl this spring. In Alaska, a heavy snowpack is expected to produce good wetland conditions after the spring runoff.
