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Snow depth still about twice the long-term average

'Water equivalence has decreased about 20 mm over the past two weeks'

Snow depth measured on March 14 remains about twice the long-term average for this time of year and water equivalence is about 60 per cent above the long-term average according to the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority. 

“Water equivalence has decreased about 20 mm over the past two weeks,” said Joel Harrison, NBMCA’s Water Resource Scientist. “However, more melting of the snowpack happened Thursday and will continue due to the rain and warmer temperatures.”

The snow depth average at the three sites is 90.8cm (211 per cent of the long-term average for this time of year), up 6cm since the last snow survey readings Feb 28.  Meanwhile, the water equivalence of the snowpack has decreased by 17.7 mm to 182.7 mm (161 per cent of the long-term average). 

NBMCA measures snow depth and water equivalence as part of its Flood Forecasting Program.

NBMCA now measures in three locations including the North Bay Golf and Country Club (Chippewa Creek watershed), the Corbeil Conservation Area (LaVase River watershed) and Shirley Skinner Conservation Area (Kaibuskong River Watershed).

North Bay Golf and Country Club (Chippewa Creek Watershed, North Bay)

Current Average Snow Depth for March 14, 2019

  95.3 cm (230% of normal)

Current Average Water Equivalence for March 14, 2019

  179 mm(159% of normal)

Average Snow Depth for March 14, 2018

   51.2 cm

Highest recorded snow depth for March 14 since 2012*

   95.3 cm in 2019

Corbeil Conservation Area (La Vase River Watershed, Corbeil)

Current Average Snow Depth for March 14, 2019

  89.9 cm (199% of normal)

Current Average Water Equivalence for March 14, 2019

  189 mm(160% of normal)

Average Snow Depth for March 14, 2018

  42.6 cm

Highest recorded snow depth for March 14 since 1988

  90.2 cm in 2001

Shirley Skinner Conservation Area (Kaibuskong River Watershed, Chisholm)

Current Average Snow Depth for March 14, 2019                                

  87.2 cm (205% of normal)

Current Average Water Equivalence for March 14, 2019

 180 mm (164% of normal)

Average Snow Depth for March 14, 2018

Highest recorded snow depth for March 14 since 2007

  47.4 cm

  87.2 cm in 2019

Summary, Change & Comparison

Average Depth for all sites                                                                   90.8 cm (211% of normal)

Average snow water equivalence for all sites                                       182.7 mm (161% of normal)

Change in average snow depth since February 28/2019                     6.0 cm

Change in average water equivalence since February 28/2019         -17.7 mm

Average Depth for all sites March 15/2018                                          47.1 cm

Average water equivalence for all sites March 15/2018                       105.3 mm


Jeff Turl

About the Author: Jeff Turl

Jeff is a veteran of the news biz. He's spent a lengthy career in TV, radio, print and online, covering both news and sports. He enjoys free time riding motorcycles and spoiling grandchildren.
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