Manitobans anticipating December snowfall following Environment Canada report

Environment and Climate Change Canada is predicting more snow for Manitoba this winter. Joseph Bernacki reports.

Natalie Hasell and her colleagues at Environment Canada said Manitobans should prepare for the potential for more snowfall than normal over the next three months.

“It’s 40 to 50 per cent probability that we will have more than normal snow,” Hasell said, who works as a warning preparedness meteorologist for Environment and Climate Change Canada.

She said that is according to their latest seasonal forecast. While it’s not one hundred percent certain, they base this on a relatively weak La Niña weather phenomenon.

It’s a type of weather pattern that can bring colder temperatures as well, and the trend is looking like a snowier winter ahead.

“The latest one (forecast) was produced on the 30th of November, and this has the signal for this above-normal precipitation through most of southern and central Manitoba,” Hasell said.

It’s welcome news for snowmobile drivers. Staff at Snoman said they could use more snow on the ground but they are on track for a good season.

“Normally, you know our trails don’t open until the first part of January,” said Yvonne Rideout, executive director at Snoman Inc.

“I think we’re looking good. We’re getting the freeze-up. You know, fingers crossed we get the snow and we’ll be good to go.”

At Windsor Park Nordic Centre, cross-country ski enthusiasts are keen to hit the trails.

“We jumped the gun a little bit,” said ski enthusiast Ethan Davy.

“They’re not supposed to open until tomorrow (Saturday).”

That did not stop Davy and his friends from trying out the snow. Etienne Loney said he tried cross-country skiing for the first time Friday despite the frigid air.

“It was really cold and really windy, but I could see the vision,” Loney said as he laughed.

“I could see where this sport can take you. I could see how it could be a really enjoyable experience.”

Volunteers at Windsor Park Nordic Centre said they are hoping for a soft launch to their season Saturday.

“Snow is still falling, and hopefully more is coming,” said Karin McSherry, executive director of the Cross-Country Ski Association of Manitoba.

“Here at Windsor Park, we’re lucky enough we can make snow, which is quite the endeavour. It’s not without its challenges, but it’s so far going fairly well.”

Incidentally, Snoman is celebrating 50 years of operation in the province. Rideout said more snow will be welcome as each region of the province is set to host different snowmobile rides that people can register for.

She said a three-day trek starting in Russell, heading to Riding Mountain National Park and back in January is nearly sold out.

“We’ll be celebrating on the snow,” Rideout said.