Winter snow has hit Central Alberta with the arrival of a Pacific weather system and about 20 to 30 centimetres of snowfall coupled with freezing temperatures.
According to David Phillips, senior meteorologist for Environment Canada, up to 30 cm of snow fell last Thursday and Friday (November 27 and 28). Along with the snow, brisk northeasterly winds also generated drifting or blowing snow in open areas and along major highways, creating snow-filled and icy ditches.
“What we saw in Central Alberta was local highways like Highway 2A, and the QEII snow covered with snowdrifts and icy patches along the ditches,” said Phillips. “As this weather system was more of a slow winter storm, highway crews were able to keep the roads clear. This was a dress rehearsal for winter.”
Meanwhile, the temperatures dropped as low as -20 C with wind chills down to -36 as a result of the Arctic air mass behind the Pacific weather system. This dropped daytime highs well below normal for last weekend and well into this week.
Meanwhile, the Town of Innisfail's snow removal strategy targeted major roads linking to highways and key facilities within the town initially, then moving to collector roads for neighbourhoods and ending up with lanes and alleys.
Facebook comments posted by residents of Innisfail were positive about the town's strategy to deal with the storm.
“I was super impressed with the crews today,” said Christine Hobbs. “I left town this morning and expected (roads to be) way worse upon my return this afternoon. I'm proud to call Innisfail home.”
Craig Teal, Innisfail's director of planning and development, was unavailable for comment.
When contacted for comment, the Innisfail RCMP briefly noted, “It had been quiet.”
Phillips noted the long-term forecast for Central Alberta included slightly cooler to normal temperatures in December with a warmer January.
“With November coming in at more than 15 degrees Celsius colder than normal, this storm is continuing the trend,” said Phillips. “From what we can tell so far, the storm centre is moving away from the Prairies and it will end in a far less dramatic way than it started.”
As a result of the snowfall, demand for the Snow Angels program in Innisfail has increased but Eileen Reid, volunteer coordinator for the town's Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) office, said she has recruited fewer shovellers than last year.
“There is a dire need for people to clear walks and sidewalks for homebound individuals so they can access services,” said Reid of the need for homecare such as Meals on Wheels and medical services. “All you have to shovel is one walk to make a difference.”
Call FCSS to volunteer for Snow Angels at 403-227-7744.
David Phillips, senior meteorologist
"What we saw in Central Alberta was local highways like Highway 2A, and the QEII snow covered with snowdrifts and icy patches along the ditches," said Phillips. "As this weather system was more of a slow winter storm, highway crews were able to keep the roads clear. This was a dress rehearsal for winter."
