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This measure is based on snow-tracking data from established snow-transects. Trends for this metric focus on wary carnivores (cougar, lynx, wolf, and wolverine) on transects within 5 km of the Townsite. Data collected include location, species presence, number of animals, hours since snow, & snow-depth.

This measure is based on snow-tracking data from 25 established snow-transects in the Bow Valley. Most transect occur within corridors around the Banff townsite, but several reference transects are located in the Broader Bow Valley. Trends for this metric focus on wary carnivores (cougar, lynx, wolf, and wolverine) on transects within 5 km of the Townsite. Data collected include location, species presence, number of animals, days since snow, & snow-depth.

Manual snow survey sampling from snow courses consisting of 10 measurement points. Measurements of snow water equivalent (SWE), and snow density are expressed as an average across the snow course. Measurements are taken three times a year at the start of March, April , and May.

Locations of automated snow weather stations, active and inactive. Automated snow weather stations are components of the BC snow survey network.

Contained within the 3rd Edition (1957) of the Atlas of Canada is a map that shows the snow cover data, referring primarily to the presence and total depth of a snow cover on the surface of the earth, across Canada. This is in contrast to data characteristics of snow cover depth, which increases by the occurrence of freshly fallen snow, but decreases by melting, wind action and settling. Two maps of these maps show the mean dates of the occurrence of first and last snow covers by one inch (2.54 cm) or greater. These are not necessarily the average dates to the beginning and ending of a continuous snow cover, since the snow cover may form and later disappear once or several times during a winter season.

Snow survey administrative basin areas, which are components of the BC snow survey network. Basin codes are used as basis of snow survey station names, and for some reporting purposes.

The map shows the mean maximum depth of snow in centimetres, the standard deviation of the mean maximum depth of snow, and the mean date of mean maximum depth of snow. The information shown on the map is compiled from 1961 – 1970 snow course data in conjunction with 1955 – 1972 snow depth data. An appreciation of the quantity of snow in storage within a drainage basin during late winter is critical to spring flood forecasting. As well, decisions regarding overland transport and wildlife control can be rationally taken.

Manual snow survey (active & inactive) locations as part of the BC Snow Survey program.

This map shows the median date of snow-cover onset (defined as the first date with 14 consecutive days of snow cover greater than 2 centimetres in depth) computed over 18 winter seasons (1979 to 1997). In areas with permanent or semipermanent snow cover (for example, Arctic ice caps) or in areas with irregular or ephemeral snow cover (coastal British Columbia), researchers were unable to compute the median values. The main feature of the map is the rapid southward extension of snow cover over Canada during the September to December period. The moderating influence of Hudson Bay can be seen over northern Quebec, where snow cover starts later than in the equivalent latitudes west of Hudson Bay.

This map shows the median date of snow-cover loss (defined as the last date with 14 consecutive days of snow cover greater than 2 centimetres in depth) computed over 18 winter seasons (1979 to 1997). In areas with permanent or semipermanent snow cover (for example, Arctic ice caps) or in areas with irregular or ephemeral snow cover (coastal British Columbia), researchers were unable to compute the median values. The end date contours follow topography more closely than start date due to the influence of elevation on total snow accumulation and air temperature. The date of snow-cover loss has important implications for wildlife (for example, bird migration and nesting), vegetation, local climate and hydrology.