Alberta RCMP advise drivers of winter driving conditions as snow continues to fall
Environment Canada predicting 5-10 centimetres on Monday
In an abrupt change to the warm temperatures experienced so far this fall, some Albertans are expected to get their first glimpse of snow on Monday.
Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a snowfall warning for Banff National Park and other parts of southwestern Alberta just after noon, alerting Albertans to the first significant snowfall of the season.
The weather agency says 10 to 15 centimetres of snowfall is expected Monday afternoon, tapering off through the night.
"Snowfall accumulations will vary considerably due to the warm ground causing some snow to melt. The highest snowfall amounts are expected over higher terrain, where upwards of 25 cm is possible," reads the warning.
Alberta RCMP reminded motorists to be cautious as they encounter winter driving conditions in a release sent later on Monday afternoon.
"Please take extra precautions when travelling, or consider avoiding travel when conditions include icy roads and blowing snow," reads the statement.
According to 511, the Trans-Canada west of Highway 22 and through to Banff was partly covered with snow and ice.
The RCMP encouraged motorists to travel with a cellphone for emergency use, as well as carrying extra warm clothing, a shovel and booster cables.
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the City of Calgary and surrounding area, noting that snow will push east across southern Alberta throughout the day.
WATCH | Up to 10 centimetres of snow fell in parts of northern Alberta:
The affected area stretches as far north as Ponoka and as far south as Claresholm. Bragg Creek and Drumheller mark the snowfall area's respective west and east boundaries.
Erin Staunton, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, said precipitation will begin as rain on Monday morning before becoming snow later in the day. Some areas are expected to see five to 10 cm of snow.
"There is going to be some variability in terms of how much [snow] actually sticks to the ground," said Staunton, adding that in some areas it could melt right away.
Staunton advised drivers to be prepared for slippery travel conditions.
A first snowfall at this time of year is fairly typical, said Staunton, and Environment Canada expects relatively clear conditions throughout much of the rest of the week.
"We don't expect much in the way of snow … once it's over and done with Monday night," she said.
'We all get seasonal amnesia'
Joanna Tschudy, a community engagement co-ordinator with the Calgary Horticultural Society, said she spent Sunday afternoon readying her garden and backyard for the change in the season, but admitted it snuck up on her.
"We get seasonal amnesia. Everybody does. I'm always like, 'Oh yeah, I have to make sure all the water is out of my hoses,'" said Tschudy.
"But this should feel familiar for folks.... When I looked to my calendar last year, our first hard killing frost was Oct. 23 in our neighbourhood, so this is seasonal."
Tschudy said she's welcoming the snow as a good drink of water for the trees, shrubs and perennials in her garden after a hot and dry summer. She added that mulching garden beds, with either leaves from the yard or with whatever is left over from the growing season, is a good way to help keep soil moist throughout the winter.
Otherwise, she's focusing on harvesting the last bits of her vegetable garden — including some carrots, parsley, thyme, and leafy greens — as well as draining her rain barrels, and collecting seeds for planting next year.
After a busy season of gardening, Tschudy said she looks forward to winter as a time to go inward and reflect.
"It's a good time to to rest. Our seasons are so quick and they're kind of fast and furious, so you have to really recharge. We're blessed to have that good deep winter here because it allows for a lot of different kinds of growth that actually benefits in the spring and summer outside," she said.
"And make a plan for spring because it's going to be here. I know we haven't had snow yet, but spring's coming, too. We just have to wait a little longer."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
