Dramatic Changes to Waters of the Inuvik Region, NWT - NWT Environmental Research Bulletin
Data and Resources
Additional Info
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Creator | GNWT - Cumulative Impact and Monitoring Program |
| Summary | Research was completed to monitor changes in water along the Inuvik - Tuktoyaktuk Highway (ITH). Results found: • Snowfall and snowpack size are decreasing. On average from 1958 to present, snowfall, snow depth, and snow water equivalent (the amount of water stored in the snow and available for runoff in the spring) decreased by approximately 15%. • Snowmelt is earlier, but peak streamflow is later. From 1958 to present, the snow-covered season shortened by 5 days. Spring snowmelt is now occurring earlier, yet the resulting snowmelt runoff is now occurring later. This delay is likely due to changes in climate, permafrost, vegetation, and snow cover. On-going studies are exploring the roles of these and testing methods to predict streamflow. • There are more instances of lake drainage now than in the past. From 1950 to 2000, the number of thaw lakes that rapidly drained each year decreased by one third. Since 2005, the number has increased by three times. |
| Local Relevance | This bulletin outlines water changes along the Inuvik - Tuktoyaktuk Highway (ITH). |
| Notes | |
| Tags | Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway,Inuvik,Freshwater,Hydrology,Bulletin,Research |
| Geographic Region | Beaufort Delta |
| Release Date | 2022-04-01 |
| Last Modified Date | 2022-04-01 |
| Funding Program |