Whitehorse Prepares for Potential Landslides in Downtown Core During Spring Melt

The City of Whitehorse is informing residents about preparations for the spring freshet, known as the spring melt, and the potential for landslides in the downtown core. Officials state that the current snowpack level is comparable to 2022, during which multiple landslides led to the closure of Robert Service Way for several weeks and placed nearby homes at risk.

Risk areas include locations from Takhini along Robert Service Way to the south access road.

Officials noted that the melt rate has been slow to date. They stated that warmer temperatures could accelerate the melt and cause debris movement along the escarpment, especially in bare areas. Officials added that operations at the airport are not expected to face major impacts from such events.

To bolster monitoring, the city has installed additional sensors at key points along the escarpment and increased geotechnical inspections. Since 2022, precautions near Robert Service Way have included the placement of concrete slabs alongside the roadway and the installation of gates to close the road during high-risk periods.

These measures aim to mitigate immediate threats from potential landslides.

Response Measures Officials explained that their team is distributing information to property owners in high- and moderate-risk areas to aid in hazard planning.

The city is advising all residents to prepare a 72-hour emergency kit containing essentials for three days. Officials recommended that residents also develop plans for alternative accommodations in the event of an evacuation. Notifications to residents would occur through local radio broadcasts, social media, and the Yukon Government's Alert Ready system, which interrupts television and radio and sends alerts to phones.