The physical and chemical limnology of Yukon’s largest lake, Lhù’ààn Mân’ (Kluane Lake), prior to the 2016 ‘A’ą̈y Chù’ diversion

Abstract

Despite increasing evidence that large northern lakes are rapidly changing due to climate change, descriptive baseline studies of their physicochemical properties are largely lacking, limiting our ability to detect or predict change. This study represents a comprehensive scientific assessment of the limnology of Yukon’s largest lake: Lhù’ààn Mânʼ (Kluane Lake), an important waterbody for local and First Nation communities, and key habitat for trout and salmon. Water sample and instrument data generated throughout 2015 describe distinct regions within the lake and their respective seasonal variability. A deep, glacially-influenced southern basin was characterized by cold, turbid, poorly stratified, unproductive and nutrient-poor conditions; a shallower northwestern region (Tthe Kaala Daagur [Brooks/Little Arm]) was warmer, fully mixed, and more productive; a northeast region (ʼÙha Kʼènji [Talbot/Big Arm]) was clear and stratified with intermediate depth, temperature, productivity, and nutrient concentrations; a central region had intermediate physicochemical conditions relative to the other three. This variability demonstrates the need for adequate spatial (within lake) and temporal (between seasons) monitoring of large northern lakes. In 2016, glacier recession within the watershed resulted in diversion of the lake’s primary inflow (‘A’ą̈y Chù’ [Slims River]). Our results, when used together with Indigenous Knowledge, form a historical reference that enables assessments of the potential ecological consequences to Lhù’ààn Mânʼ.

The importance of detection thresholds for the quantification of source and timing of high-latitude dust emission using remote sensing

“…Subsequently the Lhù'ààn Mân region is in a prominent orographic rain shadow by the St. Elias Mountain, and has a dry, cold continental climate with an annual precipitation of 300-800 mm (Williamson et al, 2014). As with many of the large lakes in the Yukon, historical scientific data around Lhù'ààn Mân is limited (McKnight et al, 2021). A weather station was established at Burwash Landing at the northern end of the lake in 1967, however 155 the station is ~45km from the research site and strong meteorological gradients towards the alpine glaciers produce a highly variable climate in the region.…”

Kings of the North: Bridging Disciplines to Understand the Effects of Changing Climate on Chinook Salmon in the Arctic–Yukon–Kuskokwim Region

“…Shortly after the workshop, one participant reported a die‐off of thousands of fish, including juvenile salmon on the Fishing Branch River, a tributary of the Porcupine River, due to low winter flows. The water level of Kluane Lake near the town of Burwash Landing has also dropped over 2.5 m since 2016 due to changes in glacier runoff (McKnight et al 2021), which has created challenges for nearby communities as docks no longer reach the lake.…”

The (mis)identification of high-latitude dust events using remote sensing methods in the Yukon, Canada: a sub-daily variability analysis

“…Base imagery is from Planet imagery in June 2018.cold continental climate with an annual precipitation of 300-800 mm(Williamson et al, 2014). As with many of the large lakes in the Yukon, historical scientific data around Lhù'ààn Mân is limited(McKnight et al, 2021). A weather station was established at Burwash Landing at the northern end of the lake in 1967; however, the station is ∼ 45 km from the research site and strong meteorological gradients towards the alpine glaciers produce a highly variable climate in the region.…”