The Government of Yukon Water Resources Branch has released the April 1 Yukon Snow Survey Bulletin and Water Supply Forecast. The survey shows snowpack levels vary across the territory, ranging from below average in the Southern Lakes region to above average in the Klondike region.
The Lower Yukon River basin (Dawson/Klondike area) snowpack is above average at 125 per cent of historical median for April 1. The Central Yukon (Carmacks area), Teslin, Porcupine (Old Crow area), Peel, Liard, Stewart and White basins are close to average. The Alsek, Pelly and Upper Yukon (Southern Lakes/Whitehorse area) basins are below average.
Most regions can expect slightly below average to average freshet runoff volumes this spring while the Klondike can expect above average freshet flows.
The latest snow survey indicates that there will be low flood potential during spring freshet in most of the territory but above average flood potential for communities in the Klondike.
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.
In response to the need for more accessible water conditions information and data, the Government of Yukon continues to improve online tools. The Flood Hub (previously known as Flood Atlas) now includes real-time access to critical water data linked to flood advisories and empowers Yukoners to stay informed and make better decisions as they navigate the spring thaw and changing water conditions throughout the territory.
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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.
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The April 1 snow survey typically represents peak snowpack.
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The Snow Survey Bulletins and Water Supply Forecasts provide a summary of winter meteorological and hydrological conditions for major Yukon watersheds.
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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.
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Snow water equivalent is the amount of water released from the snowpack when it melts.
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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
[email protected]