The Government of Yukon Water Resources Branch has released the April 1 Yukon Snow Survey Bulletin and Water Supply Forecast to help forecast water levels and flow conditions across the Yukon. The April snow survey typically represents peak snowpack and is one of the key factors that informs the development of the early-season flood potential forecast.
The survey found that the snowpack ranges from below average across the central Yukon to record setting in Old Crow.
- The Porcupine River Basin snowpack is well above average at 166 per cent of historical median, setting a new record both for the basin and in Old Crow.
- The Peel River Basin is also well above average with 140 per cent of historical median.
- The Lower Yukon River Basin is above average at 124 per cent of the historical median.
- Across the southern Yukon the snowpack is close to average, with slightly below average snowpack in the central Yukon.
Most regions can expect slightly below average to average freshet runoff volumes this spring while the Peel, Klondike and Porcupine can expect above average freshet flows.
The April 1 snow survey indicates that there will be low flood potential during spring freshet in most of the territory. However, there is above average flood potential for communities in the Klondike and Porcupine.
Snowpack is one risk factor for high flows, water levels and flooding during the spring breakup and snowmelt period. Spring weather, the timing and progression of snowmelt and precipitation events are also important drivers of flooding regardless of snowpack levels.
The Government of Yukon, through the Emergency Measures Organization, continues to plan and coordinate with local governments and agencies to enhance flood preparedness and emergency response efforts. These efforts aim to ensure that Yukoners are informed of flood risks and adequately equipped to address potential flooding incidents within their communities.
Every March, April and May, the Government of Yukon conducts Yukon-wide snow surveys to help forecast water levels and flow conditions across the Yukon.
The April 1 snow survey typically represents peak snowpack.
The Snow Survey Bulletin and Water Supply Forecasts provide a summary of winter meteorological and hydrological conditions for major Yukon watersheds.
The bulletin provides long-term snowpack averages, monthly data, and current snow depth and snow water equivalent (SWE) observations for 52 locations in the Yukon, and five locations in the neighbouring areas of British Columbia and Alaska.
Snow Water Equivalent or SWE is the amount of water released from the snowpack when it melts.
Freshet, or spring freshet, is when rivers and lakes rise and peak in response to spring snowmelt. The freshet can last several weeks.
Mara De La Rosa
Communications, Environment
867-456-5565
mara.delarosa@yukon.ca