Prairie soil moisture is a picture of variability, with some areas wetter while others remain stubbornly dry.
As the map here shows, major portions of eastern Alberta and western Saskatchewan are in better shape, but areas of dryness still plague all three Prairie provinces, including parts of western Alberta and south-central Saskatchewan.
Early November snowstorms brought heavy accumulations to the northeastern Prairie, which should improve topsoil moisture when it all eventually melts. However, amounts were much less across the southern areas, where moisture levels could use a boost.
Meanwhile, the longer-term outlook suggests little change in soil moisture levels. According to the latest monthly edition of the Canadian Agriculture Weather Prognosticator from World Weather, frequent small storms this winter should help at least improve spring run off potential. However, not enough snow is expected to fix current deficits.
Indeed, the Prognosticator said the chances of additional big storms like those of early November between now and late winter/early spring are low.
“That should leave soil moisture much like it is today until the spring thaw comes along,” it said.
Released last week, Saskatchewan’s Conditions at Freeze-up Report – based on conditions as of Nov. 21 - confirmed that much of that province went into the winter drier than normal.
The Canadian drought monitor shows just over one-third (34%) of Prairie agricultural lands were being impacted by abnormal dryness or drought as of the end of November. That is down from 57% at the end of October and below 42% in September.
