Yukon government releases flood and wildfire outlook

The Government of Yukon is looking ahead at an elevated flood potential in some Yukon communities.

The forecast shows several communities with an elevated risk of ice jam flooding during spring breakup. There is a high risk for the Nordenskiold River at Carmacks and a moderate risk for the Klondike River in the Klondike Valley, the Porcupine River at Old Crow and the Pelly River at Ross River.

There are several communities with an elevated risk of flooding during snowmelt peak flows. There is a high risk for Teslin Lake at Teslin and moderate risk for both the Nordenskiold and Yukon rivers at Carmacks, the Klondike River in the Klondike Valley and the Liard River at Upper Liard.

The timing and progression of snowmelt and precipitation will play a critical role in shaping flood conditions this spring and summer.

The Government of Yukon has been working closely with local governments and emergency responders in affected regions this spring. This includes reviewing plans for flood preparedness and response and information sharing. Response materials, such as sandbags and sandbagging machines, will be pre-positioned according to risk levels and timing of potential floods. Flood advisories and related alerts will be shared online and directly with communities, media and the public.

Once snow melts, fire danger ratings will begin to be shared on road signs and online. Forecasters cannot predict what the fire season will bring this early in the year. Most wildfire forecasting takes place just three to 10 days out. Fire danger can change quickly. The Government of Yukon monitors weather patterns closely from April to October. Crews are prepared to deploy when and where required to protect life and property across the territory.

Yukoners can find information related to emergencies, including links to the Flood Hub and Wildfire Hub, at yukon.ca/emergencies.