The remaining snow finally cleared this week, although there are still a few traces deep in the bush, and icy packed trails are the last to thaw. Warm temperatures over the past few days has started to thaw the ground to a depth of about 1 inch. Last week saw very light rain totalling less than 3mm.  Lower Black Sturgeon lake is still frozen, but ice is pulling away from the shorelines. Lake level has risen over the past 2 days by 2”, and is at the higher end of a fairly typical level at spring thaw. Shallow bays and marshes are starting to open up. Creeks are running, and there is water in the ditches. Bush trails are easily walkable and damp, with some water sitting in low-lying areas. No loons heard yet.