Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for Dauphin and the surrounding Rural Municipality of Dauphin, including the communities of Sifton and Valley River, as a late-season storm moves into the region.
The weather agency is calling for 15 to 20 centimetres of heavy snow, starting Tuesday afternoon, April 7, 2026. This system, known as an Alberta clipper, is a fast-moving low-pressure weather pattern that brings cold, dry air as it tracks across the country. The snow is expected to continue through Wednesday before tapering off into Thursday morning.
Residents should prepare for difficult travel conditions on roads and sidewalks due to the expected accumulation. Environment Canada also notes that local power outages are possible as the storm passes through. Drivers can check for the latest highway updates by visiting Manitoba 511 before heading out.
While spring snowstorms are not uncommon in Manitoba, this system follows a period of relatively typical early April conditions. Historical data shows that the region has seen similar significant late-season storms, including events in 1997 and 1999 that dropped over 40 centimetres of snow in the area.
The city, which had a population of 8,368 in the 2021 Census, is located near the 521 square kilometre Dauphin Lake. As of April 2, 2026, the Hydrologic Forecast Centre reported the lake level at 854.13 feet. This level sits below the flood stage of 858 feet, though it remains slightly above the upper operating range for the lake.
For updates on the storm or to report severe weather, residents can monitor alerts from Environment Canada.
