Rainfall needed this spring -- LNN

By Dori Modney with files from Alberta Agriculture

Alberta agricultural moisture update

Feb 10, 2021 | 4:29 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB. — It seems there’s always a down side to every up-side when it comes to weather

While most Albertans enjoyed well-above usual temperatures throughout much of the fall and the first half of the winter, there is a consequence for farmers.

Those warmer temperatures have meant below normal precipitation accumulations and lower than average snow pack development.

90-DAY AVERAGE MEAN TEMP. – Alberta Agriculture

That is in sharp contrast to the wet weather that dominated the growing season and hampered agriculture operations throughout many parts of the province last year.

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The warm, dry trend that persisted, ended abruptly across most of the province during the fourth week of January with cold arctic air flooding in from the north.

Right now, snowpacks range from less than once in 50-year lows across parts of the North West out towards Edson, with several areas showing 12 to 25 year lows along a wide band stretching as far east as Lloydminster, as well as through parts of the south eastern Peace Region.

Snow pack on mountains and stubble fields – Alberta Agriculture

However, there is still plenty of winter left .

While it’s too early to tell what the next growing season will be like, it is noted that dramatic shifts from wet to dry and hot to cold are frequent within Alberta’s meteorological record. Most areas will benefit from at least near normal precipitation patterns heading into spring planting.

Precip accumulation relative to normal – Alberta Agriculture

Alberta Agricultural moisture update to February 2, 2021