The City of Whitehorse is making preparations for the spring freshet season, warning residents about the potential for landslides in the downtown area. Authorities note that this year’s snowpack is comparable to that of 2022, when landslides forced the closure of Robert Service Way and posed a threat to homes.
Robert Dickson, the manager of engineering services for the city, has identified risk zones stretching from Takhini through Robert Service Way to the south access road. He reassures residents that the airport’s operations are not likely to be significantly impacted by any major events.
With the current slow melt rate, Dickson emphasizes the need for vigilance as warmer temperatures can rapidly accelerate debris movement along the escarpment, especially in exposed areas. To enhance monitoring, additional sensors have been deployed at critical points along the escarpment, and geotechnical inspections have been intensified.
In terms of emergency response, Ursula Geisler, the city’s emergency manager, is actively communicating with property owners in high- and moderate-risk areas to help them prepare for potential hazards. All residents are advised to assemble a 72-hour emergency kit, equivalent to packing for a three-day camping trip. Geisler also recommends that residents arrange for alternative accommodations in case of evacuation.
Residents will receive updates through local radio broadcasts, social media announcements, and the Yukon Government’s Alert Ready system, which can send alerts directly to mobile devices in emergencies. Geisler mentions that door-to-door notifications will also be conducted, and collaborative efforts with partner agencies are underway to ensure residents receive necessary assistance during evacuations.
While addressing immediate risks, the city is concurrently exploring long-term solutions. Following a $45 million federal grant in 2024, plans are being considered to stabilize the slopes, potentially by reshaping the escarpment to enhance resilience and supporting vegetative growth to fortify the soil. Since 2022, preventive measures near Robert Service Way have included the installation of concrete slabs and the implementation of gates to shut the road during high landslide risk periods.