While the threat of flooding in the southern Yukon isn’t over yet, the territorial government is downgrading the flood warnings for the Southern Lakes and Lake Laberge.

It’s also maintaining the high stream flow advisory for the Yukon River at Whitehorse.

For the Southern Lakes, an update from the YG states “flood risk for properties and infrastructure will continue until water levels fall below the flood threshold, which is approximately 40 centimetres below current levels.

“Shoreline erosion also continues to be a threat and berm removal is not advised at this time.

“The Yukon government is consulting with technical experts on the development of a remediation and recovery program that will assist homeowners in restoring their properties, increase community resilience and mitigate against future flooding events.”

Southern Lakes water levels have fallen more than 35 centimetres since the July peak.

After dropping progressively during the second half of July, water levels rose again to a lower secondary peak during the first half of August due to rainfall, and have been declining since Aug. 17.

While water levels are expected to continue dropping, levels are still above flood thresholds.

“With the outflows from Marsh Lake now significantly higher than inflows, only extreme widespread precipitation events can increase lake levels in September,” the update said.

The waters need to drop another 40 centimetres before the flood danger will end.

“The Government of Yukon is actively gathering professional advice and assessing the existing mitigations to formalize an evidenced-based approach for berm management and/or removal,” the update said.

“Lake Laberge water levels have fallen over 50 centimetres since the July peak. While the Southern Lakes rose in response to recent rain events, Lake Laberge has responded by dropping more slowly.

“Water levels are expected to continue dropping; however, levels are still above flood thresholds,” the update reads.

“Flood risk for properties and infrastructure will continue until water levels fall below flood levels.”

A high stream flow advisory continues for the Yukon River in Whitehorse.

“With water levels still well above average in the Southern Lakes, the flow on the Yukon River through Whitehorse continues to be well above average,” says the advisory.

“Above-normal water levels on the Yukon River are expected to persist into October.”