Plains Runoff Outlook

As of April 1, 2004, spring snowmelt runoff is forecast to be average to above-average for the Fort Chipewyan region and for an area of north-central Alberta bounded by Lloydminster, Edmonton, Whitecourt, the Lesser Slave Lake, and Cold Lake (Figure 1). Below average runoff is forecast for the remainder of northern and north-central Alberta, including areas to the west of Edmonton and Rocky Mountain House. Spring snowmelt runoff is completed for most areas of southern and south-central Alberta, but a small amount of snow remains in the Cypress Hills.

Fall soil moisture was generally much-below-average in plains areas of Alberta, with the exception of the Cold Lake and Lloydminster regions where soil moisture is average (Figure 2).

Check the Forecaster's Comments on the department website throughout the month for the most current conditions.