More snowfall this winter than last, Environment Canada says

Mother Nature continues to blanket the region with wintry weather.

Residents across Simcoe County and Muskoka are working hard to keep up with winter’s heavy snowfall this season.

Environment Canada reports the region has already received more snow this winter than the entire previous season.

Dave Phillips, a senior climatologist with Environment Canada, says it’s not an extreme jump from what’s considered normal, but it’s noticeably more than last year.

The warm water temperatures in the Great Lakes are a major factor behind the heavy snow and persistent snow squalls seen so far.

The last time the lakes fully froze was in 1996, which significantly impacts snow patterns.

“Last year, for example, we saw the warmest winter on record,” Phillips said. “This year, we had the warmest fall on record. But now, with cold air coming in, it’s triggering snow. Once the lakes freeze over, the snow will stop.”

Bitter Cold Brings Ice Safety Concerns

As temperatures continue to drop, ice formation on Lake Simcoe remains uneven.

Ice thickness varies, creating a challenge for those venturing onto the lake. While Kempenfelt Bay has seen limited activity, Cooks Bay has drawn hundreds of ice fishers.

“Even though we’ve got seven inches of ice here, I’m pretty sure there’s still open water out on the main lake,” said Jerod Long, a local ice fisherman.

Experts urge caution, emphasizing that ice conditions can change rapidly, and certain areas remain unsafe.

Barrie Tackles Snow Clearing with New Facility

In Barrie, the city is better equipped to handle heavy snowfalls thanks to upgrades at its works yard, including a new salt storage facility.

“The new facility helps us store salt indoors and keep it dry,” said Dave Friary, Director of Roads, Parks, and Fleet for Barrie. “It’s better for the environment because there’s no leakage into groundwater, and it’s easier on the machinery.”

As snow squalls are expected to continue until the lakes freeze over, Phillips predicts a steady and consistent freeze in the coming weeks, which could bring some relief from the heavy snowfall.