Current State of the Cryosphere in Canada - Snow
(Deviation From Normal)
 Snow Water Equivalent |
 Normal SWE |
 Difference from Normal SWE |
 Percent of Normal SWE |
Snow Water Equivalent
This map displays the snow water equivalent (SWE) over the three Canadian Prairie
provinces as derived from SSM/I satellite data. This is basically the same information
as produced on the regular weekly Prairie map.
Note: In the 1999/2000 snow season the focus was strictly on the southern portion of the Canadian Prairies, to allow for rigorous testing of the new boreal forest algorithms that incorporate land classification.
"Normal" SWE
This map depicts the "normal" or "average" SWE conditions for the Canadian Prairies
based on 22 years of SSM/I satellite data (1988-2009). This "normal" map is basically
the average of the SWE values derived from SSM/I data sets (in a fixed grid format) for
each first of the month (January, February, and March) from 1988-2009.
Difference from Normal SWE
This map product displays the absolute difference in SWE between the SWE map (current
conditions) and the "Normal" map. The contour levels indicate both below normal and
above normal areas.
Percent of Normal SWE
This map displays the difference in SWE between the first of the month and the
"normal" expressed as a percentage ratio. Regions identified with a ratio between
90% and 109% identify areas where the snow cover is close to "normal". Percentage
classes of less than 90% indicate regions of less SWE than "normal", while areas
of higher than "normal" SWE have percentages greater than 109%.
For
further information on this product please visit the Passive
Microwave Algorithm Development section, or contact Anne
Walker at Anne.Walker@ec.gc.ca
Monthly Maps for 2008/2009 Snow Season:
Monthly Maps for 2007/2008 Snow Season:
Monthly Maps for 2006/2007 Snow Season:
Monthly Maps for 2001/2002 Snow Season:
Monthly Maps for 2000/2001 Snow Season:
Monthly Maps for 1999/2000 Snow Season:
