Kluane Lake Yukon Territory

[AlaskaMan]

Has anyone sailed on Kluane Lake, Yukon Territory? I am looking at a summer of 2010 trip and gathering any available information.
Thanks

[popI]

Haven't sailed it, but I worked that area occasionally when I was a professional float plane pilot 20 years ago. I landed on it sometimes, and even fished for those gigantic lake trout. It is truly one of the most beautiful areas on earth! There is definitely cruising potential there. However.... due to the glaciers, and the adjacent 20,000 foot mountains, the place is highly susceptible to intense katabatic winds. In fact I think the town of Destruction Bay, on the Kluane lakeshore is named for the winds. 50 knots would not be uncommon. There are numerous creeks on the south end of the lake, which would suffice for anchorages, and a few islands near the north end, which might also work. If you got into trouble, you are pretty much on your own, and communication would be difficult, I think. (no cell phones back in my day there, but even now???) Consider making contact with the local conservation officers in Haines Junction. if you cant find their contact, try the RCMP in Haines Junction, and they would know them.

If you can really read the mountain weather, you are ready and able to make a run for shore, and you are comfortable in high winds, go for it, and send us all the pictures! Good luck!

[AlaskaMan]

Thanks for the information. I've been in contact with a few folks and they all say the same thing regarding the high winds. I will need to do some more digging for information.