The City of Whitehorse is getting ready for the spring freshet, also known as the spring melt period, and the potential risk of landslides in the downtown area. Officials are comparing this year’s snowpack to that of 2022, when several landslides caused the closure of Robert Service Way for weeks and threatened homes.
Robert Dickson, the engineering services manager for the City of Whitehorse, mentions that the at-risk zones stretch from Takhini through Robert Service Way to the south access road. He assures residents that there is no immediate concern for any significant impact on airport operations.
With the current slow melt rate, Dickson warns that warmer temperatures could rapidly accelerate the process, leading to potential debris movement along the escarpment, especially in exposed areas. To enhance monitoring efforts, the city team has deployed additional sensors and increased geotechnical inspections along critical points of the escarpment.
In terms of emergency response, Ursula Geisler, the city’s emergency manager, is communicating with property owners in high- and moderate-risk areas to help them prepare for potential hazards. Residents are advised to have a 72-hour emergency kit ready, akin to packing for a three-day camping trip. Planning for alternative accommodations in case of evacuation is also recommended.
Information updates for residents will be disseminated through local radio broadcasts, social media posts, and the Yukon Government’s Alert Ready system, which can send emergency alerts directly to people’s phones. Geisler mentions that door-to-door notifications will also be conducted, and the city is collaborating with partner agencies to provide necessary support during evacuations.
While addressing immediate threats, the city is concurrently exploring long-term solutions. In 2024, Whitehorse secured $45 million in federal funding to work on stabilizing the slopes. One potential solution under consideration is reshaping the escarpment to enhance its resilience and promoting vegetative growth to stabilize the soil. Additional safety measures implemented since 2022 near Robert Service Way include the installation of concrete slabs and gates to prevent access during high landslide risk periods.