The Government of Yukon Water Resources Branch has released the March 1, Yukon Snow Survey Bulletin and Water Supply Forecast to help forecast water levels and flow conditions across the Yukon.
The snow survey found that the snowpack ranges from below average in the Southern Lakes region to well above average in the Klondike region.
The Lower Yukon River basin (Dawson/Klondike) snowpack is well above average at 130 per cent of historical median for March 1. The Central Yukon River basin (Carmacks) snowpack is above average at 112 per cent of historical median. The Teslin, Stewart, Peel, Alsek, White, Porcupine and Pelly basins are close to average. The Liard and Upper Yukon (Southern Lakes/Whitehorse) 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 March 1 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.
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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 March 1 snowpack observations provide insight into the development of the snowpack, with the April 1 snow survey typically representing peak snowpack.
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The Snow Survey Bulletin 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 or SWE 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]