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Parched Prairies: Record low snow depths, relief in sight


Tyler Hamilton
Meteorologist

Wednesday, January 24, 2018, 12:01 PM - As parts of British Columbia get ready to receive another 100+ cm of snow, milder temperatures and a lack of snow have dominated the Prairies.

How is this year stacking up against others for snow depth data across the region? Let’s stop in on Edmonton International airport to view current snow on the ground.

Edmonton International Airport currently cracks the top 10 lowest years for snow depth, as of January 22. But, it’s not just a localized issue or microclimate issue; it’s a general trend that’s developed this winter season across much of the Prairie provinces.


And, it’s not just Alberta. Near record-low snow depth for parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba are occurring as well.


Brandon, Manitoba is only recording a measly five centimetres of snow on the ground, which slides into fifth place for lowest snow depth on record for this time of year.

Weak waves of low pressure are spotted bisecting part of the Prairies this week, extending down towards Winnipeg. This storm track is usually weaker and moisture-starved, but the relentless Pacific jet stream will inevitably attempt to drive a pattern change. 

Pounding storms and copious amounts of energy from the Pacific will continue to churn inland over the coming days.

Unfortunately, for snow lovers east of the Rockies, these massive mountains act as snow shields, blocking a lot of Pacific moisture from reaching the leeward (right side) of the Rocky Mountains. By Wednesday evening, several lows are circling the Pacific like sharks.

Don’t believe me? Count the Lows:

No less than four lows are lurking off the coast of British Columbia; consequently, this has an impact well eastward downstream into the Prairies. By Thursday, signals point to trough development situated in Alberta.

Let’s zoom in and take a look:

A clipper system develops early Thursday, but for southern regions of the Prairies, most of the moisture will be north of the track of the new system. Expect periods of snow to develop in Edmonton throughout the day on Thursday, before easing and spreading a swath of snow across the Eastern Prairies to finish off the week.

B.C., you’re an absolute snow-hog. Look at the sharp decrease in totals as we head east.

A general 5 to 10 cm of snow will snake itself across the Prairies over the coming days, giving a much needed top-up for some.

A brief taste of milder air returns early next week, but frigid weather returns by the middle of next week, persisting into early February. 


Check back for updates as we continue to monitor the forecast.

WATCH BELOW: 'We are stuck, fully' Victoria family trapped on Mount Washington, B.C.





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