Measurements of the scalar dissipation rate in the region immediately upstream of a lifted jet flame are presented. The scalar dissipation is determined in this isothermal region from a planar measurement of a two-dimensional conserved scalar (jet fluid) using laser Rayleigh scattering. Fields of the scalar dissipation rate are presented in addition to tabulated values for three different liftoff heights (Re-d = 4800; 6400, and 8300). Scalar dissipation rates do not reach levels thought to cause extinction of the leading edge based on comparison with extinction data for counterflow diffusion flames. Additionally, results are presented on the axial flame propagation velocities relative to the jet flow. The data indicate that over the three flow conditions, the flame velocity relative to the flow is approximately constant during the case of a quasi-stationary lifted flame. In light of these findings, it is suggested that concepts involving partially premixed flame propagation, rather than those of critical scalar dissipation rate, are central to modern lifted flame stabilization models.