The City of Whitehorse is gearing up for the spring freshet, cautioning residents about potential landslides in the downtown area that may follow. Officials note that this year’s snowpack mirrors that of 2022, when landslides shut down Robert Service Way for an extended period and endangered homes.
Robert Dickson, the engineering services manager at the City of Whitehorse, highlights that at-risk zones stretch from Takhini through Robert Service Way to the south access road. He reassures residents that any major incident should not impact airport operations significantly.
“The current melt rate has been gradual. However, with rising temperatures, acceleration could occur rapidly, leading to debris movement along the escarpment, especially in exposed areas,” Dickson stated. To enhance monitoring efforts, the city team has deployed additional sensors and increased geotechnical inspections along the escarpment.
Regarding emergency response, Ursula Geisler, the city’s emergency manager, emphasizes the importance of informing property owners in high- and moderate-risk areas about potential hazards to facilitate preparedness. She advises all residents to have a 72-hour emergency kit ready, akin to packing for a three-day camping trip. Geisler also recommends establishing evacuation plans and temporary accommodation arrangements.
Residents will receive notifications through local radio broadcasts, social media updates, and the Yukon Government’s Alert Ready system. In case of evacuation, door-to-door notifications will be conducted, and support will be provided through collaboration with partner agencies.
While addressing immediate threats, the city is concurrently exploring permanent solutions. In 2024, the city secured a $45 million federal grant to address slope stabilization. One proposed solution involves reshaping the escarpment to enhance resilience and promoting vegetative growth to stabilize the soil. Additional safety measures implemented near Robert Service Way since 2022 include the installation of concrete slabs and road closure gates during high landslide risk periods.