Snow depth still about twice the long-term average

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)

Corbeil Conservation Area (La Vase River Watershed, Corbeil)

Shirley Skinner Conservation Area (Kaibuskong River Watershed, Chisholm)

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