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Feb 14, 2024 · So, two 10.5-inch (27-centimetre) snowfalls may accumulate to a depth of only 17 inches (43 cm). It’s the compressibility of snow that causes the greatest consternation with snowfall...
This map shows the average maximum snow depth in centimetres computed over 18 winter seasons (1979 to 1997). Over southern Canada this usually occurs in January or February, while the time of maximum accumulation occurs much later in mountain areas and in the Arctic.
- Overview
- On this page
- Snow concepts
- Patterns of snow change in Canada
- Impacts of changing snow
- Adapting to changing snow
- Related links
Snow patterns are changing. In fact, snow cover and snow water equivalent (the amount of seasonal snow accumulation) have decreased in most areas of Canada over the past 35 years. These trends are expected to continue in the future.
•Snow concepts
•Patterns of snow change in Canada
•Impacts of changing snow
•Adapting to changing snow
Snow can be discussed in many ways, including:
•snow cover extent: the area of land covered by snow
•snow cover duration: the number of days in the year with snow cover, from onset (first snowfall) in the fall to melt in the spring
•snow water equivalent: the depth of water that would result if a given mass of snow on the ground were to melt at once. It is the volume of water available for melt in the spring. Snow water equivalent results from the seasonal accumulation of snowfall events.
Overall, snow cover duration has decreased across most of Canada over recent decades. The number of days per season with snow cover has decreased by 5% to 10% per decade across most of Canada and during most seasons from 1981 to 2015. These decreases are due to later snow cover onset in the fall and earlier snow melt in the spring as a result of warming trends across most of Canada. This warming is projected to continue, with decreasing snow cover duration across all of Canada in fall and spring.
Snow water equivalent decreased by 5% to 10% across much of Canada from 1981 to 2015. Areas with declining snow water equivalent include the Maritimes, southern Ontario and northern Canada. Snow water equivalent increased in some areas of Canada including southern Saskatchewan, and parts of Alberta and British Columbia.
Significant reductions in snow water equivalent are projected across southern Canada in the future, with decreases of 5% to 10% per decade by 2050. The Maritimes and British Columbia are expected to experience the greatest changes.
Find snow data and other related resources in the library of climate resources.
In northern Canada, changes in winter snow conditions can impact wildlife habitat, overland travel, and access to food sources. This has an impact on traditional activities such as hunting, trapping and harvesting. These disruptions of traditional Indigenous and northern activities can lead to loss of culture, mental health impacts and food insecurity.
Changes in patterns of seasonal snow accumulation in Canada also pose risks for infrastructure. For example, increased winter precipitation during a shorter snow accumulation period can increase the potential of roof collapse.
The Standards Council of Canada has developed a new standard for managing changing snow load risks for buildings in northern Canada.
In southern Canada, ski resorts are starting to assess climate change impacts and adaptation options. Some ski resorts are increasing snow making capacity and diversifying their activities, to support year-round tourism.
•Canada’s Changing Climate Report
•Canada in a Changing Climate: Sector Perspectives on Impacts and Adaptation
•Climate Risks & Adaptation Practices for the Canadian Transportation Sector
•Canada's Marine Coasts in a Changing Climate
•Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators: Snow cover
•Snow, Water, Ice and Permafrost in the Arctic: Summary for Policy-makers
To the south, the depth of snow is limited by the shorter accumulation season and the substantial sublimation of snow over the Canadian Prairies. An inset map shows the average maximum snow depth where it is deepest in Canada: central Vancouver Island (British Columbia).
Oct 28, 2021 · Take a site survey of your yard or lot. Look for an open area to measure the snow, away from any trees as much as possible. Remember that snow often falls during breezy weather, so your measuring spot should be at least eight feet away from your home or any outbuildings.
o Snowfall: Maximum amount of new snow that has fallen since the previous observation. o Snow Depth: The total depth of snow (including any ice) on the ground at the normal observation time. The snow depth includes new snow that has fallen combined with snow already on the ground.
People also ask
How deep can a snowfall accumulate?
Is snow depth the sum of all snowfalls?
How many inches of snow can a snowfall accumulate?
What is the difference between snowfall and snow depth?
How many inches of snow does it take to calculate snow depth?
What does the term 'snow depth' mean?
At the other extreme, the snow can be heavy and wet resulting in a snow to liquid ratio of around 5 to 1 (i.e. 0.5 cm of snow would melt to provide 1 mm of water). We also have a map giving snow depths (snow on the ground), available on our weather website: Operational Analysis Charts.
