Four Yukon Energy employees have received an award of recognition for the weather observation data they provide to Environment Canada. For the last 25 years, Yukon Energy staff have recorded temperatures at Otter Falls, near the company’s Aishihik hydro facility. This is a task they perform rain or shine, twice a day, seven days a week.
“It’s a service we’re happy to provide,” Plant Operator Ron Kirkwood said upon receiving the recognition plaque. “The data not only helps the weather office, but it’s also good for Yukon Energy to be able to look back over the years and see how the weather has changed.”
He reminisces about the variation in conditions at Otter Falls. “You just never know what kind of weather you’re going to see out there. I remember the temperature going from minus 20 or 25 to plus five in a matter of hours.”
Plant Operator John Aldrich also has memories of unusual weather, such as the Christmas of 2004. “It was pouring with rain that Christmas and the roads were a sheet of ice. I’ve never seen anything like it!”
The Otter Falls climate station is important measuring the impact of climate change and has provided valuable weather information that has helped Environment Canada better understand the climate of the region.
Some highlights from the records taken at Otter Falls are:
Extreme Daily Maximum = 31 degrees C, May 30 1983
Extreme Daily Minimum = -43.5 degrees C, January 22, 1989
Extreme one day precipitation = 63.0 mm, August 21, 1990
Extreme one day snowfall = 25.5 cm, April 27, 1985
Other Yukon Energy staff recognized for their weather observation services include Jim Petelski and Attila Janits.
-30-
Contact:
Janet Patterson
Supervisor, Communications
Yukon Energy Corporation
(867) 393-5333
janet.patterson@yec.yk.ca
Comments
Be the first to comment