Scientists with the territory’s Environment and Climate Change department reported that water levels continue to be “relatively low” across much of the N.W.T. and a major lake in the territory remains at its lowest water levels ever recorded for the fourth month in a row. Measurement records of water levels across the territory go back over 100 years.
Data collected back in July and published by climate change researchers first flagged the issue in an August water bulletin report.
“Great Bear Lake remains at its lowest water level recorded for this time of year,” said researchers regarding data collected from July to October.
Another major lake, the Great Slave Lake, continues to experience low water levels.
Measurements collected from the Great Slave Lake in October show that levels are “well below average.”
While the lake’s water level remains below average, researchers also reported that the level is “higher” compared to levels recorded at the same time last year.
Data collected on a number of major rivers shows that their levels continue to be “well below average” for this time of year, including Hay River, the Liard River and the Mackenzie River.
The Great Bear River is also showing water flows that are below average, said researchers.
Data collected last month showed that some rivers are showing “average” levels, said the authors of the report.
The Slave River, the Arctic Red River (average), the South Nahanni River, some of the smaller rivers in the Great Slave Lake basin, including the Snare River and the Talston River are showing average water flows.
The Lockhart River and the Hoarfrost River showed “above average” flows, according to the data collected.
Water, unlike other natural elements, will expand when frozen. The researchers added that as water bodies prepare for freeze-up and ice begins to form, some rivers will show rises in water levels due to the presence of ice.
Scientists with Environment and Climate Change reported that the low water levels are caused by “drought conditions.”
“Low water levels are the result of extreme drought conditions that began in the summer of 2022 and have persisted through 2023 and 2024. Water levels have since shown some recovery, but this has mostly been limited to small rivers and lakes,” said researchers.
Researchers said that data collected showed that October temperatures were “warmer than average” and precipitation was “approximately average” in the territory with some communities experiencing precipitation levels “slightly below average.”
Environment and Climate Change researchers forecasted that “warmer-than-normal temperatures” will likely continue through November
