The City of Whitehorse is getting ready for the upcoming spring thaw and the potential risk of landslides in the downtown area. Officials are comparing this year’s snowpack to that of 2022, when landslides closed Robert Service Way and endangered homes for several weeks.
Robert Dickson, the City of Whitehorse’s engineering services manager, highlights the areas at risk stretching from Takhini through Robert Service Way to the south access road. He reassures residents that the airport’s operations are not likely to be significantly impacted by any major events.
Despite the slow melt rate observed so far, Dickson warns that warmer temperatures could quickly accelerate the process, leading to potential debris movement along the escarpment, especially in bare areas. To enhance monitoring efforts, the city has deployed additional sensors and increased geotechnical inspections along the escarpment.
Regarding emergency preparedness, Ursula Geisler, the city’s emergency manager, emphasizes the importance of informing property owners in high- and moderate-risk zones about possible hazards. Residents are advised to have a 72-hour emergency kit ready, equivalent to packing for a three-day camping trip. Additionally, residents should plan for alternative accommodations in case of evacuation.
Residents will receive updates through local radio broadcasts, social media posts, and the Yukon Government’s Alert Ready system, which can send emergency notifications directly to phones and interrupt TV and radio broadcasts when necessary. Geisler mentions that door-to-door notifications will also be conducted, and collaboration with partner agencies is in place to provide necessary support during evacuations.
While addressing immediate threats, the city is also exploring long-term solutions to stabilize the slopes. In 2024, the city secured $45 million in federal funds for this purpose. One potential solution under consideration is reshaping the escarpment slope 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 gates to close the road during high landslide risk periods.
