
Photo by Whitehorse Star
STAVING OFF THE WATERS – A Marsh Lake property is seen with sandbags in July 2021.
Photo by Whitehorse Star
STAVING OFF THE WATERS – A Marsh Lake property is seen with sandbags in July 2021.
With the snow piling up, so are the concerns of the Yukon Party (YP) over potential flooding this spring and summer.
With the snow piling up, so are the concerns of the Yukon Party (YP) over potential flooding this spring and summer.
In a news release issued Monday, the YP said it’s concerned the Liberal government has not taken the lessons learned from last year’s historic flooding and begun preparing for the likelihood of another deluge this year.
“The official Opposition is calling on the Liberal government to learn from the lessons of last summer, and listen to Yukoners asking for proactive action to prepare for possible flooding again this summer after another winter of near-record snowfall,” the news release stated.
“We appreciate the hard work done by government staff, contractors, and people who volunteered to help their fellow Yukoners during the flooding last summer,” said Brad Cathers, party’s MLA for Lake Laberge.
“That effort was commendable. There are also lessons that can be learned, including that with proactive planning and action, government can be better prepared to help people minimize the impact of rising water.”
Richard Mostyn, the minister of Community Services, sees things a little differently.
He told the Star Tuesday the government’s preparations for more flooding are well underway, but that the situation is distinctly different than last year.
His department sent out a letter to residents last Sunday about the potential for flooding. He couldn’t resist noting that was a day before the YP spoke out on the issue.
Although it looks like there is a lot of snow – and, in fact, the snowfall has been nearly record-breaking this year – the majority of it is concentrated in lowland areas where it’s very obvious to the public, he said.
The alpine areas, though, have seen distinctly less snow, especially compared to last year, Mostyn said, referring to the numbers collected by government hydrologists. That’s why there haven’t been nearly as many avalanches this winter.
He said the lowland snowpack is approximately 120 per cent above normal.
That could change before the winter is over, he said, but that considerably reduces the chances of high-elevation meltwater contributing as much runoff as in 2021.
“We’re well-prepared for floods this year,” Mostyn said. “We’ve taken all the lessons learned from last year and we’re getting ready.”
He said the government still has “hundreds of thousands” of sandbags left over from last year. Many of the berms built in the Southern Lakes are still in place as well, providing a head start on deflecting high waters.
Mostyn also said he’s preparing to meet with military officials in case their assistance is needed again.
As well, Yukon Energy has a plan in place to draw down Marsh Lake and provide extra power as a control measure against high water.
According to the YP, “Last summer, Yukoners came together in July and August to help people affected by historical flooding in the Southern Lakes and Lake Laberge areas.
“There were at times serious gaps in co-ordination of resources by government, as well as a lack of proactive action, leading to a lack of necessary help for some local residents when the water level rose,” the YP alleged.
“We have a number of recommendations for the government based on listening to Yukoners,” said Cathers. “They include government investing in road improvements early in the summer, sandbag and groundwork preparation, as well as better communications and co-ordination.”
The Yukon Party is calling for the Liberals to identify government infrastructure that would benefit from improvements before the water levels rise significantly.
This should include raising the level of Jackfish Bay Road, and improvements to South McClintock Road.
Secondly, government should secure an area in Whitehorse where residents would be able to show up and fill sandbags to ship where needed.
Several Whitehorse residents and businesses indicated they would have liked to help fill sandbags, but could not get out to the designated areas at Marsh Lake and Lake Laberge.
Citizens were at times in urgent need of basics of flood preparation such as sandbags and sand, even as water threatened some homes.
In addition, completion of preventative groundwork at both Marsh Lake and Lake Laberge should happen in advance of potential flooding.
“Southern Yukon is experiencing another winter of near-record snowfall in some areas,” said Cathers.
“We are urging the Liberal government to direct Community Services, Highways and Public Works, and other appropriate departments to begin preparing alongside residents for what is likely to be another summer of flooding.
“We hope this includes having the appropriate number of sandbags at the ready, a plan to fill those sandbags, and a better plan for communications and co-ordination.”
NDP Leader Kate White said, “I think last year was a lesson to be learned.
“I think the more information we have ahead of time, the better. That’s why I’d like to hear from the chief hydrologist.”
Mostyn provided the letter sent out to property owners in flood-prone areas, and has scheduled an information meeting with them.
He provided the information to the Star. Excerpts follow below:
“As part of the Government of Yukon’s ongoing response and recovery to last year’s unprecedented water levels, the Yukon Emergency Measures Organization continues to co-ordinate a variety of flood recovery initiatives.
“The Flood Recovery Working Group would like to take this opportunity to provide an update on the recovery work and the flood preparedness activities that are well underway,” the information says.
“This letter and attached information are intended to provide residents an update on that work, and on what is planned over the coming months.”
The public information meeting has been set for 7 p.m. Feb. 23.
The letter went on to say, “The Flood Recovery Working Group is leading a variety of recovery initiatives for communities impacted by the 2021 floods.
“These efforts focus on demobilization and clean-up from the 2021 flood event, bolstering the Yukon’s flood preparation through community preparedness, increasing future response capabilities, and offering longer-term mitigation options for communities to consider.
“Our goal is to support communities and residents to become more flood-resilient in the face of a changing climate.”
The berms in Marsh Lake, Carcross, and Tagish have been left in place in case they are required in 2022, the letter points out.
“We will be taking the approach of either demobilizing and cleaning up these berms, or bolstering and reinforcing these berms depending on the flood forecast later this spring and summer.
“We have engineers hired to recommend how either of these options will be accomplished, and we will be ready to action these recommendations when the situation has become clear. “
A study analyzing options for longer-term or permanent flood mitigation measures in the Marsh Lake region is almost finished, residents are told.
“These options will be presented to the community this spring, and we look forward to working with your community to consider proposed options.”
The letter adds, “We know that you are likely watching this year’s snowpack with interest. In addition to the territory-wide snow surveys that occur annually on March, April and May 1, Yukon government hydrologists have conducted a February snow survey for the Upper Yukon River Basin, which includes the headwaters of the southern lakes.
“In short, while the survey results indicate current snowpack levels in the Southern Lakes basin are slightly higher than average, they are well below 2020-2021 levels. It is still too early to provide an accurate flood forecast for this year.”
Ultimately, precipitation over the next two months will determine the peak snowpack – which is typically reflected in the April 1 snow survey – and influence flood potential, the letter says.
“It’s also important to bear in mind that peak water level in the Southern Lakes is only partly connected to snowpack levels. Timing and speed of the spring snow melt, summer temperatures, and summer precipitation events are also critical factors that influence flooding potential.”
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Comments (21)
Up 8 Down 2
Groucho d'North on Mar 1, 2022 at 9:54 am
@False Comparison
My comments were related to government-provided compensation for those impacted by disaster events and not the type of calamity that may have happened. There are long established policies for how governments may assist those affected by both natural and man-made disasters. Up until very recently insurance for overland flooding was not available to the average homeowner anywhere in Canada, but fire insurance has been available.
Some maintain that because government created these subdivisions and waterfront lot developments and profited from their sale, they should bear some responsibility when these emergency situations occur. Some even believe that properties with radon present should also be supported by government when mitigations are required. Earthquakes and landslides are also possible - who qualifies for assistance when these events occur and create damage?
Apples and oranges you say? Have a look at the larger, more diverse basket of fruit.
Up 8 Down 3
Klaus G. on Feb 28, 2022 at 7:02 pm
So as somewhat of a community go-to guy will Currie be having testing done on the local waters of these flood plain zones for fecal matter leakage from septic dugouts that encroach on the high-water mark delimiter? Ensuing legal action?
Up 19 Down 5
False Comparison on Feb 27, 2022 at 9:12 pm
@Groucho Almost anywhere in Canada that is not in one of our top 10 or so biggest cities are susceptible to forest/brush fires. In Yukon, we are ALL at risk from wildfires. It is not something you can realistically avoid. But when it comes to building in flood zones, that is absolutely something you can avoid. I'm guessing you or someone close to you was affected by the flooding and that is why you are using this 'whataboutism'. You are comparing apples to oranges here.
Up 12 Down 12
Groucho d'North on Feb 26, 2022 at 9:45 am
Some interesting comments here and too many appear to be driven by political ideology and or which party they support. The water front developments go back decades and multiple governing administrations have contributed to what today's reality is. Others point out that building in a flood plain is not smart and those who did should not be supported by tax dollors for response or relief.
Step back one giant step and observe we are ALL living in the Boreal Forest and it burns from time to time and place to place. We all knew this before we bought or built homes here, so why are we different in how governments should respond to the impacts of disasters? The real problem with principles is they apply to all situations all the time.
Up 26 Down 4
Oya on Feb 25, 2022 at 2:54 pm
I'm with Resident.
Why are my tax dollars being used to bail out a few who should have known better or should at least have taken some mitigating action by now?
Next, a seawall the full length of Marsh Lake will be in the budget because some Minister lives on the shore of Marsh Lake. Oh, let's not forget Shallow Bay, too. Who would build there?????
One thing is certain though. Last year's flood proved exactly how unprepared our government is for a full scale emergency. Let's work on coordination between emergency response groups, communications, strategies, etc. for when a real emergency that affects ALL OF US happens.
If another $8M gets spent there again this summer..... you won't see any volunteering from me.
Up 25 Down 8
Mr Facts on Feb 25, 2022 at 10:17 am
'I bought a house on a flood plain"
Also
'Why is my property flooding?"
"Gimme money"
Up 16 Down 18
Stop complaining on Feb 24, 2022 at 8:16 pm
Those complaining that they don’t want to pay for someone else’s choices…
We do ALL the time. I don’t like paying for junkies when i don’t do drugs. I don’t like paying for children when I don’t have any. I don’t like paying for people on SA especially when some are perfectly able and capable to work when I have to go to work everyday. I don’t like paying for every single, specialty group that represents so few people. We are constantly paying for other people’s choices.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who has those same thoughts but we pay for it anyway.
So…why complain about helping pay for these people’s investments? It’s really no different. They’ve also paid taxes for years when a lot haven’t.
Up 10 Down 7
Yukoner 95 on Feb 24, 2022 at 7:42 pm
@TMYK You sure can live here and deny man made climate change. Just look at the first comment on this very story from Matthew. And you can be sure that all of these luddites support the Yukon Party.
Up 29 Down 1
North_of_60 on Feb 24, 2022 at 5:57 pm
There was a significant amount of volunteer effort and taxpayer expense to install sandbag berms last year, so there shouldn't be much additional work required, unless some people foolishly removed the sandbags, in which case replacing them is their responsibility.
Up 11 Down 14
TMYK on Feb 24, 2022 at 12:59 pm
@Lawl the YP have always acknowledged climate change. You can’t live here and not. YP have only questioned the best way to tackle it.
Up 28 Down 17
EJ on Feb 24, 2022 at 12:04 pm
@Moose101 I totally agree. I think the Yukon Party is only concerned about this because Currie Dixon and one of his siblings each bought 2nd houses out there a few years ago. This is just the Yukon Party looking out for the financial investments of its leader. Sorry but I'm not about to feel bad about a guy in his mid thirties who has two houses, multiple vehicles and a pension for life, all from taxpayers since he has only ever worked for government.
Up 39 Down 2
Yukong on Feb 24, 2022 at 10:52 am
Snowpacks are higher than last year. Waterfront residents will have some time this spring to make preparations before the big wave comes. So please, don't whine on the news that this was unforseeable and you need taxpayer money to bail you out.
Up 23 Down 12
BnR on Feb 24, 2022 at 9:17 am
The party of smaller government wants more government involvement….
Up 43 Down 2
Nathan Living on Feb 24, 2022 at 12:58 am
Residents should assess their risk and think seriously about being proactive.
To be unprepared is not the way to go.
Up 55 Down 4
Moose101 on Feb 23, 2022 at 7:12 pm
Most of us commoners are fed up with the government giving these million dollar homes support every spring. Move or build a dike like they have in Dawson.
Up 22 Down 18
Yukoner on Feb 23, 2022 at 5:02 pm
‘His department sent out a letter to residents last Sunday about the potential for flooding. He couldn’t resist noting that was a day before the YP spoke out on the issue.’
So…YP issues letter Monday…but Libs say they sent their letter out on Sunday…(so…YG employees work on Sundays now)
AND I’m typical Lib Comms planning - plans a meeting for today (Wednesday) for people to attend? Wow! Sure the turnout will be high considering there was such an effort to get advance notice out there!
Libs are going to spent the next year keeping up to the YP who seem to be the only party with any sense of how to plan ahead! Looks like a great ‘government in waiting’ is shaping up in the opposition offices!
Up 57 Down 7
Resident on Feb 23, 2022 at 4:31 pm
My place didn't flood because it was built in a sensible area. The reality is the government isn't to blame, it's the peoples choices where they built their cottages/houses, consequences that were always a real possibility and they knew that.
Why should tax payers pay for a few people who thought they had snatched multimillion dollar waterfronts. The rest of Marsh Lake people deserve more, if money is spent in our community it should be on our community centres and infrastructure, not mitigating the poor construction decisions of the minority past Federal and Yukon senior government workers.
So Brad, stuff your complaints advocating for a few people and start working for the whole community.
Up 48 Down 6
Optics on Feb 23, 2022 at 4:13 pm
Why do tax dollars have to go towards protecting properties that are built within the 30 m of the high water mark? If mining industries must adhere to this, then so should everyone else. I typically support the YP, but knowing Mr. Dixons family inlaw are one of these people who will be potentially flooded out, the optics do not look good,.
Up 30 Down 7
Lawl on Feb 23, 2022 at 3:20 pm
So are the YP saying that Climate Change exists now?
Protip: If your place flooded last year, it will again this year. Lakefront 'cottages' were great until they weren't.
Up 50 Down 33
Ms. Informed on Feb 23, 2022 at 3:12 pm
As a property owner at Marsh Lake I have not received any letter informing me of the meeting being held on March 23rd. To have to hear about this through the local paper is disappointing, if this is how the Minister and YEMO is going to communicate with the affected residents we are all in for another tough summer.
Up 55 Down 32
Matthew on Feb 23, 2022 at 1:15 pm
Potential? No, it WILL flood again, so please go on about that 1 in 100 year flood... just more evidence that our mere time of 150 years keeping weather records prove how little our "knowledge" actually is.. good excuse to blame climate change though.. LOL