10-15+ cm: Late-March snowfall creates tricky travel for Alberta drivers
Special weather statements issued in parts of Alberta as snowfall, up to 15+ cm for some areas, will continue to cause poor travel conditions into Monday
March is Calgary's snowiest month of the year, and it has recently been living up to its standards, especially after the hefty bout of it earlier this week.
Many Albertans are seeing more snow this weekend as a chilly and unsettled pattern stays locked in over the region. It will continue into Monday.
DON’T MISS: North Calgary sees biggest snowfall of the year, more possible this month
Bursts of snow will lead to highly variable snowfall accumulations from one spot to the next. Some areas could see 15+ cm of snow. Poor travel conditions expected through Monday morning. Allow extra time for travel.
More snowfall into Monday:
Generally snow-free for Calgary through the bulk of the day on Sunday, with light flurries possible beginning in the afternoon near Airdrie.
Bands of snow that develop can easily hit 1-3 cm an hour with the more intense bands of snow by Sunday afternoon and evening.
Snowfall in the foothills west of Edmonton is ongoing, creating more high-elevation snow.
Snowpack is well above normal in the Rockies, with the second-largest tally since records began west of Calgary.
On Sunday night, more organized periods of heavy snowfall develop across the city of Calgary, with up to 2-4 cm an hour snowfall rates possible.
Snowfall totals could exceed 15 cm if bands remain stationary and don’t migrate south.
Winds are generally light, below 20 km/h, so widespread blowing and drifting snowfall is not anticipated.
Travel south of Calgary, slick and slow with accumulating snowfall ongoing surrounding Okotoks and along Highway 2.
Drivers should beware rapidly changing road conditions, especially with the potential for bursts of snow that may lower visibility and quickly slicken surfaces.
On Monday, periods of snowfall are continuing around the Calgary region, tapering later in the morning. Snowfall continues across southern Alberta, including Lethbridge and Medicine Hat.
Can't let your guard down in spring
Spring is the snowiest time of the year in Alberta, and this month has certainly proven the point. Calgary’s monthly snowfall total of 41 cm to date is nearly double the 23 cm we’d expect here during a typical March.
Snowiest March on record: March 1998 (70.3 cm)
Least snowy March on record: March 1891 (0 cm)
Stay with The Weather Network for the latest on conditions across Alberta.