Plains Runoff Outlook

As of February 1, 2007, spring snowmelt runoff is generally forecast to be below to much below average for the southern plains, average for the Cypress Hills, and below average to average for the northern region. Runoff for central and north-central plains is generally forecast to be above to much above average, with runoff for the Edson-Lloydminister area forecast to be much above average and the Peace River-Grande Prairie region forecast to be above average (Figure 1). Average to much above average snowpack is estimated for central and northern regions, while the southern plains snowpack is estimated to be below to much below average (Figure 2).

Snow surveys to measure 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. This forecast assumes 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.