Yukon government officials have issued a rainfall advisory for the southeast area of the territory, but say their main concern is for those who are using the backcountry.

“It’s really just a heads-up,” Yukon Wildland Fire Management meteorologist Michael Smith said in an interview this morning, noting the rainfall over the next three days is being caused by a low pressure system in British Columbia.

Between today and Saturday, it’s expected in some areas there could be more than 50 millimetres of rain.

As the advisory stated in the Watson Lake, Tom Creek and Iron Creek areas, 30 to 35 mm is anticipated, with between 20 and 30 mm anticipated in the Frances Lake and Tuchitua areas.

Close to the southeast area bordering the Northwest Territories up to 100 mm of rain is possible.

Michael Templeton, manager with Yukon EMO, said the rain is not expected to affect infrastructure by flooding basements or crawl spaces. The warning, rather, was issued to give advance notice to those who work, boat or may be using the backcountry, camping or traversing a waterway.

“Intense rainfall could cause sudden rises in streams and rivers and, potentially, road/trail washouts,” the advisory states.

While it’s rare for the territory to put out such an advisory where communities, homes and buildings aren’t expected to see a major impact, officials said in this case it was important to let travelers know what they need to prepare for.

“It’s all about knowing the risk,” Templeton said, though he also pointed out backcountry travelers should always be aware of potential weather conditions.

“That’s something you should always be thinking about,” he said.

Even under standard weather conditions the water level in a stream a traveller may be crossing can change depending on the time of day.

As for whether such advisories will be continued to be issued for heavy rainfalls, Smith said, “It’s a case-dependent thing” officials will consider as each situation comes up.