Yukon Energy wants to lower water levels in Marsh lake 10 centimeters more than currently allowed

    Swans at Marsh Lake (travelyukon.com)

    It all depends on what the Yukon Water Board says.

    Yukon Energy has submitted an emergency amendment to their Whitehorse Rapids Generating Station water use license to the Yukon Water Board. The amendment, submitted on April 1, would allow Yukon Energy to lower water levels in Marsh Lake an additional 10 centimeters below the current lowest level allowed under the license.

     

    Every spring, the company makes room in Marsh Lake for spring melt and rain by lowering water levels close to the lowest level allowed, but this year they need extra room because of high snow pack levels.  

     

    The company is forecasting Marsh Lake’s summer peak water levels will be “above full supply” because of a wet spring ahead.

     

    Yukon energy says the additional ten centimeters can help to provide a small reduction in the summer peak lake levels, which are largely controlled by natural factors including snow melt, rainfall, and glacial melt.

     

    The Yukon Water Board is currently deliberating Yukon Energy’s request.

    More from CHON-FM Northern News

    Gallery