Do you get a lot of snow in Edmonton?????

Question

I am going to move to Edmonton in about a month and I will like to know do you get a lot of snow?? what months does it snow more?? and is it safe to drive when you get a lot of snow??

Answer 1

The City of Edmonton reports that the average snowfall over the past 5 years is 147 cm.  Some snowfalls we can get 15-20 cm in one snowfall, but this is usually snowing constantly for a few days. (I'd also like to point out it's usually pretty rare).  Most snowfalls are limited to about 5 cm in a shot, but more likely 1-2 cm.  

Winter driving can be pretty difficult in Edmonton, however it isn't so much the snow as it is the ice that wreaks havoc on Edmonton streets.   Really good All-Season Tires are sufficient, but Winter tires are recommended.  

Here are a few statistics from Edmonton.

147.7 cm - Average Snowfall (last 5 yrs)

50 cm - Amount of snowfall 2000-2001

70 cm - Amount of snowfall 2005-2006

225 cm - Amount of snowfall 2002-2003

January has the heaviest snowfall, averaging about 25 cm.

If you'd like more details and to see each month over month comparison, visit the City of Edmonton's website.  (They also have average temperatures listed too)

http://www.edmonton.ca/portal/server.pt/...

Unfortunately some people claim they're providing accurate information, but I have looked at the Environment canada website to verify temperatures too.

Randolph claims that the temperature frequently dips below -30°C, well the actual truth is that Edmonton rarely actually hits anything lower than -30°C however, depending on windchill the temperature could FEEL like -40°C and human skin will react accordingly, but it never actually IS that cold.  Also, I am uncertain where he heard this law of required snow tires, I've been driving for years without them and never been in an accident, also Chains are pretty much never seen unless in backyards of warehouses where the city doesn't clear snow.  as for 10 feet of snow in the yards, thats typically because people shovel their snow.  and Any moron riding a motor cycle in those conditions would be stupid (thankfully I have never seen that)

I suppose some don't research information the way they claim.  

Search HOURLY temperature data from Environment Canada:

http://www.climate.weatheroffice.ec.gc.c...

Answer 2

randy s is out to lunch and doesn't have a clue what he is talking about. we get about several cm of snow a year sometimes 1 or 2 cm in a single fall but rarely does that happen. Winter is fairly cold 0 to the extreme -30 c but that is also rare. the standard snow tire is all you need and we do have basements and normal houses!!

Answer 3

avg   fall is   6  to   11 inches   pers  snow storm....   6  storms   avg.  per winter...

from   November  to  april..

Answer 4

Edmonton receives the most snow of any city over 100,000 in population in the Americas. There is no other city anywhere in either North America or South America with more than 100,000 people, that receives more snowfall.

Often people will have eight to ten feet of snow here. That is one of the main reasons why the houses in most parts of the city are built on stilts and very few people have houses with basements.

The city will receive snow from about mid September to early May. There is often still snow on the ground in June. I've seen snow even in July, although that is rare.

It is safe to drive in Edmonton, even in the snow. However, winter tires are mandatory (it's the law). You cannot use all season radial tires in Edmonton or you will be fined. You will need very big grooves in your tires to make it here.

Some people drive with chains, although this is illegal also. When people drive with chains, they can generally drive fast and it is still ok, however. Some of the gangbangers in Edmonton use chains to drive their motorcycles in the winter. This is a very dangerous thing to do.

I would recommend driving slowly and using your headlights. Make sure you buy a good block heater for your vehicle. Don't do spin-outs with your tires in the snow. Don't give obscene hand signals to people on motorcycles that have chains. If you do that, you should be pretty safe.

ps. Pilot 41 is certainly not right in what he says, and in being rude on top of that. Contrary to what he is saying, even the temperature dips to well below -30 degree celsius quite often, for instance. We have temperature that are often well into the -40's. Environment Canada confirms this, if you simply go on their site.  I know what I'm talking about, because I've lived in Edmonton a long time. I actually have lived in St. Albert and in Edmonton - which are very close together. My father owns a fleet of 'dualie' trucks that are used in helping drill and maintain oil rigs. Even he agrees with everything I have said (he doesn't agree often with me, by the way). We both know Edmonton and how to make it here.