Southern Lakes Flood Information 2007

Last update: October 12, 2007

Current Levels updated Marsh Lake Levels updated How To Protect Your Property - Before and After a Flood  Volunteer Information Southern Lakes Area Contacts 2007 Flood Photo Gallery 2007 Flood Relief Initiative

 Current Levels

Water levels in the upper Yukon lakes, including Marsh, Bennett and Tagish are presently 0.12 m higher than normal for the second week of October.  The water level has been in a state of recession for the last seven weeks, having dropped 20 cm in the last 7 days.  The upper lakes system water level is currently receding 2 to 3 cm a day, is 107 cm below the August 14 peak, and 52 cm below the 2004 peak level.  The new record water level for Marsh Lake is 35 cm above the previous 1981 historic maximum, and 56 cm above the 2004 level. 

Projections can be expected to vary through the remaining runoff season based on rainfall  and temperature inputs.

Marsh Lake Levels

Southern Lakes shoreline property owners are advised to make themselves familiar with mitigative measures to protect their properties from the potential for flood damage. The resources below (pdf files) include recommended procedures which have proven effective in reducing damage from high water situations and reducing risks to personal health. Information on what to do after the flood is also provided.

How To Protect Your Property - Before and After a Flood

Flood Proofing Your Home
Make an Emergency Plan
Disinfecting Your Well
Disinfecting Your Water Tank
Health Alert Flooded Sewage Disposal Systems
Testing Your Drinking Water
After the Flood 
Water Damage, Mold, and House Insurance
Floods and Mouse Control 
Protect Yourself from Hantavirus

The Office of the Fire Marshal recommends that residents in flood prone areas ensure that occupants raise and isolate portable fuel storage containers, such as gasoline containers, waste fuel containers, paints and solvents etc to prevent potential environmental contamination and fire hazards.

Above ground oil storage tanks used to fuel heating appliances such as furnaces, water heaters should be anchored to structures where to prevent free floating in areas of high water potential with supply valves in the off position. Underground residential storage tanks are no longer permitted and shall be replaced by above ground storage systems. Permits are available from the Office of the Fire Marshal.

Preferably all hazardous or environmentally destructive materials should be kept to a minimum if flooding is expected and, where possible, removed to a safe storage area before threatened by high water levels.

Volunteer Information

The volunteer effort to fill sand bags has been remarkable. Over the July 28-29 weekend, close to 10,000 sandbags were filled which are now ready to be placed where they are required in shoring up individual dykes. Because of this current inventory of filled bags we are able to give the many volunteers a bit of a rest for the time being.

A big thank you to everyone who has contributed their time and effort to get us to this stage of the response. The Quartz Rd sandbagging station will remain closed for the time being but will stay in readiness in case it is required again in the short-term. We will call for volunteers via local radio if more are required.

Safety First:

While you are providing your time, we must maintain safety standards to ensure we prevent injuries. So here are some things to consider while you are volunteering your time.

• The work sites are very busy, heavy equipment and other vehicles are constantly on the move, please do not bring your dogs to the work sites and all children must be supervised by parents for their safety.
• Protective apparel: It is recommended you wear work gloves and footwear suitable for the job. Sandals and flip-flops are not recommended.
• A hat in case the sun is shining.
• Don’t knock yourself out – take regular breaks and drink plenty of water to remain hydrated.
• Lift with your knees and not your back.
• Lift one sandbag at a time.

Southern Lakes Area Contacts

Yukon Emergency Measures Organization (YEMO 24/7) 667-5220

Marsh Lake EMO Coordinator - Mike Larsen 660-4610

Marsh Lake Local Advisory Council - Malcolm Taggart 660-5347

Tagish EMO Coordinator - Denis Bouchard 399-3572

Tagish Local Advisory Council - Claude Dastous 399-4002

Carcross/Tagish First Nation - Wesley Barrett  821-8227

Carcross EMO Coordinator - Dave Welin  821-3811

Carcross Local Advisory Council - Linda Pringle 821-3431

Contact Us: