Photo of the Wheaton River from the Wheaton River Bridge // Courtesy: Dan Cresswell
WHITEHORSE, YT – A High Water Advisory is in effect for the Southern Lakes region, as water levels have risen by 20-30cms following a period of heavy rains in Northern BC and the Southern Yukon.
The Yukon’s Water Resources Branch says upwards of 120mm of rain had fallen in Northeast British Columbia, with between 40 to 50mm falling across the Yukon’s Southern Lakes.
The Wheaton River is currently in flood, and it’s the peak flow during this event is tied for third highest on record. The Water Resources branch has said multiple debris flows were noticed in the region, and significant geomorphic changes to the Wheaton River are likely to have occurred.
The Department of Highways and Public Works had briefly closed Annie Lake Road at Kilometer 20.5 due to a washout on the morning of July 25th. Annie Lake Road has since reopened to a singe lane of traffic, however the Wheaton River Bridge remains closed.
