The Government of Yukon Water Resources Branch has released the May 1 Yukon Snow Survey Bulletin and Water Supply Forecast. The survey shows snowpack levels vary across the territory, ranging from below average across the south to well above average in the Klondike.
The Lower Yukon River basin (Dawson/Klondike area) snowpack is well above average at 177 per cent of historical median for May 1. The Central Yukon (Carmacks area) and Porcupine basins are above average. The Peel River basin is close to average, while the Alsek, Teslin, Stewart, White, Liard, Upper Yukon (Southern Lakes/Whitehorse area) and Pelly basins are below average.
Southern regions can expect below average, to average freshet runoff volumes this spring. The Carmacks area and the Porcupine can expect close to average freshet runoff volumes, while the Klondike can expect well above average freshet flows.
The May 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 of several factors that can contribute to 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 Snow Survey Bulletin and Water Supply Forecast provides 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.
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The Flood Hub is a publicly accessible web application for Government of Yukon flood advisories, flood mapping information and water data exploration.
Mara De La Rosa
Communications, Environment
867-456-5565
[email protected]