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WHITEHORSE — Yukon's snowpack for April ranges from record-setting highs in the north to below average across the central part of the territory. 

The Yukon water resources branch released the results Tuesday, saying the April snow survey typically represents peak snowpack and informs plans for the early-season flood forecast. 

Snow for the Porcupine River basin is at 166 per cent of the historical median, setting a new record for both that area and in Old Crow. 

The basins for the Peel River and Lower Yukon are also above average at 140 and 124 per cent, respectively.

The branch says in a statement that most regions in the territory can expect average spring runoff, but above average for communities along the Peel, Klondike and Porcupine rivers. 

It says snowpack is one risk factor for high flows and flooding during spring breakup, although timing, progression of snowmelt and rain events are also drivers of flooding, no matter what the snowpack levels look like. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 9, 2024. 

The Canadian Press