April snow survey shows snowpack is average to well above average across most of the Yukon

The Government of Yukon has released the April 1 Yukon Snow Survey Bulletin and Water Supply Forecast to help inform spring water levels and flow conditions across the Yukon.

The snow survey found that the snowpack ranges from near normal in the Stewart River Basin to well above normal in the White River Basin.

The White, Central Yukon (Carmacks area), Liard, Teslin/Big Salmon and Peel basin snowpacks are all well above normal for April 1. The Upper Yukon (Southern Lakes/Whitehorse area), Lower Yukon (Dawson/Klondike area), Pelly, Porcupine and Alsek are all above normal. The Stewart River Basin is close to normal.

Current snowpack conditions indicate elevated freshet flood potential for the communities of Teslin, Carmacks, Upper Liard, the Klondike Valley and Ross River. Additionally, there is above average freshet flood potential for small to medium creeks in most Yukon basins. Higher gradient streams crossing roads and highways through culverts that may become restricted with debris have the highest potential for flooding.

The Southern Lakes snowpack is well above normal in the lower basin, but the high elevation mountain snowpack is not as high relative to historical records. While the above normal snowpack increases flood potential for the Southern Lakes, the timing of snowmelt, summer precipitation and glacial melt act together to drive flooding, making flood potential more uncertain compared to other communities.

Snowpack is one of several risk factors 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 keep Yukoners informed of flood risks and adequately equipped to address potential flooding incidents within their communities.