Plains Runoff Outlook

As of February 1, 2005, spring snowmelt runoff is forecast to range from below average to average for Alberta's plains, with the exception of the Grande Prairie - Peace River - Slave Lake area where average to above average runoff is expected due to very wet soil conditions (Figure 1). Below average to average snowpack is estimated for most of the province (Figure 2), and soil moisture varies widely throughout Alberta (Figure 3).

Routine snow surveys to monitor snowpack on the plains begin in late February. Since it is still early in the runoff forecasting season, further weather conditions leading up to spring could also change this forecast considerably. These forecasts assume a typical spring melt occurs; a late spring could mean higher runoff. Check the Forecaster's Comments on the department website throughout the month for the most current conditions.