Western Boreal Forest A larger-than-normal snow pack is slowly
melting across most of the Yukon, where late-winter temperatures
were cooler than normal. Precipitation has been slightly above
normal overall, and 5 cm of snow fell in the last week of April.
Birds are moving through, with peak swan migration occurring
slightly earlier than usual. Mallards, pintails, goldeneyes and
wigeons have arrived, which is typical. Ponds are just starting
to open up, so most birds are on rivers or outlets of large
lakes. The Northwest Territories experienced cool April
temperatures, although they fluctuated from day to day in
Whitehorse. Warmer late-April temperatures helped melt snow, but
there was still 20 cm on the ground in some places as of April
24 (which is not typical). Norman Wells was slightly warmer than
normal, and has received very little precipitation. Most ponds
and lakes are still covered in ice, although some small water
bodies, creeks and rivers are opening up. Birds are arriving,
and mallard pairs have be