Mayo and Aishihik River will be examined to determine long-term changes in temperature, snow, rain and permafrost
Yukon Energy and the Northern Climate Exchange at Yukon College are partnering with the University of Quebec to study climate change impacts on the Mayo and Aishihik Rivers.
The research team will look at how long-term changes in temperature, snow, rain and permafrost may impact each river in the decades to come.
Yukon Energy will be able to better manage water in each hydroelectric reservoir in the short term while planning for the effects of climate change over time.
The research team will also develop a range of tools to allow Yukon Energy to forecast inflow in the Mayo and Aishihik hydroelectric power plants on timescales ranging from weeks to months.
The total value of the project is close to $1-million with close to half of that in cash and in-kind support coming from the energy corporation.