Dam Safety

Being on the water near dams or control structures can be dangerous. Strong currents and sudden changes may put your safety at risk. Stay behind the yellow booms, respect the signs and barriers. Be smart and safe around hydro facilities and have the best dam summer ever!

Headed out on the water near a hydro facility?

Learn about public risks and safety measures.

Whitehorse Rapids Dam (Schwatka Lake)

Public Risks:

• Rapidly changing water levels downstream of the hydro plants and spillway.
• Strong currents near spillway and turbines.

Safety Measures:

• Yellow boat boom is installed to prevent boaters from approaching the dam.
• Audible alarm when gates are being opened to indicate changes in flow downstream.

Lewes Control Structure (Marsh Lake)

Public Risks:

• Small craft users (canoes/kayaks) can get trapped against the structure.
• Hidden hazards immediately downstream of the structure, that can cause overturning of small craft.

Safety Measures:

• Signage to indicate where portage spots are.
• Buoys and signage to indicate boat lock is out of service.

Aishihik Lake Control Structure

Public Risks:

• Remote location.
• Strong current and flows near the upstream side of the structure.
• Fishing from the structure, playing on and around the structure, and climbing over the handrails.

Safety Measures:

• Yellow boat boom is installed to prevent boaters from approaching the structure.
• Signage to indicate hazards.

Canyon Lake Control Structure

Public Risks:

• Remote location.
• Steep slopes and plunge pool downstream and strong currents upstream could pose danger to public.

Safety Measures:

• Signage installed to inform boaters and public of hazards.
• Boat boom installed to prevent boaters from entering power canal.

Wareham Dam (Mayo)

Public Risks:

• Sudden water releases from spillway create strong downstream currents.

Safety Measures:

• Boat boom installed to keep boaters away from the spillway and intake structure.
• Audible alarm when gates are being opened.

Mayo Lake Control Structure

Public Risks:

• Hidden hazards may be in the water
• Unattended site in a remote location.

Safety Measures:

• Yellow boat boom is installed to prevent boaters from approaching the structure.
• Fencing to prevent access to site.
• Signage to warn of hazards.

Questions or concerns?

Contact us at communications@yec.yk.ca.

This email is not monitored for emergencies. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911 immediately.