The City of Whitehorse is gearing up for the spring freshet season and the potential for landslides in the downtown core that may follow. Officials have noted that this year’s snowpack is reminiscent of 2022, a year marked by landslides that shut down Robert Service Way for weeks and endangered residences.
According to Robert Dickson, the manager of engineering services at the City of Whitehorse, the risk areas span from Takhini through Robert Service Way to the south access road. He reassures residents that the airport operations are not expected to be significantly impacted by any major events.
Dickson highlights that the current melt rate has been gradual, but as temperatures rise, there could be a swift acceleration leading to debris movement along the escarpment, especially in exposed areas. To bolster monitoring efforts, extra sensors have been deployed at critical points along the escarpment, and geotechnical inspections have been increased.
In terms of emergency response, Ursula Geisler, the city’s emergency manager, is actively communicating with property owners in high- and moderate-risk zones to help them prepare for potential hazards. Residents are advised to have a 72-hour emergency kit ready, which Geisler likens to packing for a three-day camping trip. Additionally, plans for alternative accommodations in case of evacuation should be made in advance.
Residents will receive updates through local radio broadcasts, social media alerts, and the Yukon Government’s Alert Ready system, which can send direct notifications to phones during emergencies. Geisler mentions that door-to-door notifications will also be conducted, with support services arranged for evacuated residents through collaborative efforts with partner agencies.
While addressing immediate threats, the city is also actively pursuing long-term solutions. In 2024, the federal government granted $45 million to Whitehorse for stabilizing the slopes. Although no final decisions have been made, one proposal under consideration involves reshaping the escarpment to enhance resilience and promoting vegetative growth on the surface to stabilize the soil. Additional safety measures near Robert Service Way, such as the installation of concrete slabs and closure gates during high landslide risk periods, have been implemented since 2022.
