The City of Whitehorse is gearing up for the spring freshet season and the potential risk of landslides in the downtown area. Officials highlight similarities between this year’s snowpack and 2022, a year marked by landslides that disrupted Robert Service Way and threatened residential properties.
Robert Dickson, the engineering services manager for the city, points out that high-risk areas span from Takhini through Robert Service Way to the south access road. He assures residents that the airport’s operations are not likely to be significantly impacted by any potential events.
With a cautious approach, Dickson notes the gradual pace of the melting process so far but emphasizes the need for vigilance as warmer temperatures could trigger rapid snowmelt and subsequent debris movement along the escarpment.
To enhance monitoring efforts, the city has deployed additional sensors and increased geotechnical inspections at critical points along the escarpment. Emergency response preparations are also underway, with Ursula Geisler, the city’s emergency manager, reaching out to property owners in high- and moderate-risk zones to facilitate hazard planning.
Residents are advised to assemble a 72-hour emergency kit, equivalent to packing for a three-day camping trip, and to arrange temporary accommodations in case of evacuation. Information dissemination will be through various channels, including local radio broadcasts, social media updates, and the Alert Ready system by the Yukon Government, which can directly notify individuals through television, radio, and mobile alerts.
In the pursuit of long-term solutions, the city is exploring options to stabilize the slopes, following a $45 million federal funding allocation in 2024. While plans are still under review, one proposal involves reshaping the escarpment to increase resilience and promoting vegetative growth to enhance soil stability. Previous measures near Robert Service Way include the installation of concrete slabs and the implementation of gates to restrict access during heightened landslide risks.
