Just three days after a heavy spring snowstorm, another 10 to 15 centimetres of snow is expected to fall today throughout Cochrane and Airdrie.
Environment Canada issued a snowfall warning around 10 a.m. on April 22, indicating that a heavy band of snow has developed in Southern Alberta.
Sara Hoffman, Environment Canada meteorologist, said the snow is not associated with any major weather system. The real weather maker is east of the province, heading into Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
"This is really just an impulse that's gotten trapped in the flow with a little bit of moisture and some upslope flow along the foothills," she said.
This means that higher terrains in the area will experience enhanced snowfall amounts.
Snow is expected to taper around midnight, with a 30 per cent chance of flurries or rain showers in the afternoon as temperatures are forecasted to rise to 6 C in Cochrane.
Rapidly accumulating snow has the potential to make travel difficult in some locations and visibility may suddenly reduce as a result of heavy snow.
"The spring snows can really quickly reduce visibility," said Hoffman. "So if you catch yourself in a situation where it's hard to see very far ahead of you, it's important to slow down and not just drive the speed limit because it's the speed limit."
Instead, drive to the conditions and make sure there is ample space between any surrounding vehicles while you're travelling so there is time to stop or slow down if need be.
Hoffman said it's also important to be mindful of how wet and heavy the snow can be while shovelling at this time of year.
"There's a really direct correlation between heavy snowfall events and injuries from shovelling," she said. "So especially in this case, I would encourage everyone to take their time, do many light loads instead of heavier ones, and take rests or breaks if you need them, especially if you're not an overly active person."
The snowfall warning is also in effect for Olds and Sundre.
According to Environment Canada records, Cochrane experienced an average amount of 19 centimetres of snow in the month of April between 1981 to 2010.
