WhiteCAP_Plan_01SEPT..

NCE WhiteCAP Climate Projections
Precipitation
Mean annual precipitation (MAP) was also projected for the Whitehorse area based on
the 1961-1990 baseline (below). Projected annual mean precipitation in the City of
Whitehorse area is anticipated to increase from 585mm to between 638mm to 657mm
by 2050.
Seasonal precipitation was also projected (below). Seasonal precipitation is expected to
increase throughout the year. Projected increases to seasonal precipitation by SRES
scenario are provided in Table 3.
Table 3: Baseline and Projected Precipitation for the Whitehorse Area (mm)
Season
Baseline (1961-
1990) 2030
B1
2050 2030
A1B
2050
Annual 585 620 632 638 657
Spring 89 96 99 100 100
Summer 211 224 224 225 234
Autumn 170 178 183 186 192
Winter 115 121 123 128 131
Seasonal precipitation is anticipated to increase the most in winter and fall. Winter
precipitation is projected to increase between 11.3% and 13.9%, while autumn
precipitation is projected to increase between 9.4% and 12.9%. Increases in MAP and
seasonal precipitation in the Whitehorse area by 2030 and 2050 are provided in Table 4.
Table 4: Projected Changes in Precipitation for the Whitehorse Area
Season B1 (Increase from 1961-1990) A1B (Increase from 1961-1990)
2030 2050 2030 2050
mm % mm % mm % mm %
Annual 35 5.9 47 8.0 53 9.1 72 12.3
Spring 7 7.9 10 11.2 11 12.4 11 12.4
Summer 13 6.2 13 6.2 14 6.6 23 10.9
Autumn 8 4.7 13 7.6 16 9.4 22 12.9
Winter 6 5.2 8 7.0 13 11.3 16 13.9
Note that although precipitation is expected to increase, higher temperatures are likely to
drive higher evapotranspiration, meaning that soil moisture and water availability may
actually decrease.
E.8