The Alaska Highway near Beaver Creek in the Yukon is currently experiencing flooding, leading to the closure of the highway from the U.S. border to the Beaver Creek customs office. The closure was initiated on Sunday afternoon by officials due to the flooding situation.
Julia Duchesne, an information officer from the government’s Emergency Co-ordination Centre, stated that crews are actively addressing the issue on the highway. The duration of the closure remains uncertain until further assessment of the cause is completed.
Duchesne explained that the spring melt can result in water accumulation on the road through various means, such as ditches overflowing or culverts being washed out. She highlighted that the hydrology team had previously raised concerns about the impact of steep streams on roads and highways in the Yukon due to the significant snowpack in the region.
Chelsea Johnny, an employee at the Beaver Creek visitor information centre, observed signs of road shifting due to the flooding, expressing concern for tourists who may be stranded until the highway reopens.
To stay informed about the road conditions, Duchesne advised drivers to visit 511yukon.ca for the latest updates. Despite the inconvenience caused by the closure, she urged travelers to remain patient and emphasized the importance of respecting barricades for safety reasons and to facilitate repair efforts.
Territorial authorities announced that an update on the road conditions will be provided before 2 p.m. on Monday.