Snowmobilers have encountered slush on Lac La Ronge in recent weeks. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

weather update

High precipitation in December causing slushy ice conditions on Lac La Ronge

Jan 6, 2022 | 2:06 PM

Slushy ice conditions on Lac La Ronge is due to a significant amount of precipitation in December.

Environment and Climate Change Canada Meteorologist Terri Lang explained while November was below-average for precipitation, a large amount of snow fell in December leading La Ronge to have its fourth wettest December in 57 years of record keeping.

She estimated 48 centimetres of snow is currently on the ground in the tri-communities, adding the snow is insulating the lake from the cold resulting in issues with slush.

“That lake is pretty big and it would hold a lot of heat,” Lang said. “Water takes a long time to warm up and a long time to cool off, so it holds a lot of heat and that’s probably what’s happening is all the snow is insulating.”

Throughout the month of December, Lang observed multiple weather systems move through central Saskatchewan. She said even though residents might not be happy with so much snow, it will bode well for the spring and summer when moisture is needed for forest fires.

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An extreme cold warning is also currently in affect for La Ronge today with a daytime high expected to reach -30 C with a nighttime low of -38 C. The cold weather will linger until Tuesday when warmer air will move into the area bringing a high of -14 C and a low of -15 C. Wednesday is forecasted to reach -9 C.

“Thirty-year averages for this time of year are highs round -16 C and lows around -26 C,” Lang said. “The south of the jet stream is where the warm air is, so the jet stream is shifting well to the north now and it’s allowing for the chinook to set up across the mountains and allow that warmer air to start funneling in.”

La Ronge has been in the grasp of an extended cold spell since Christmas and motorists should check the Highway Hotline before travelling.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno