Yukon’s South Klondike Highway, located south of Carcross, has partially reopened to traffic, but authorities caution that it may close again unexpectedly. The highway had been shut down for almost two days following rock slides on Tuesday that caused debris to block the road between Carcross and the B.C. border.
Highway officials announced that the road would be accessible from 1:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, with traffic being managed in a single-lane alternating pattern and reduced speeds enforced. Commuters were advised to anticipate delays as maintenance crews continue to clear the area.
Bailey Moreton from the Department of Highways and Public Works explained that a detour had been created around the landslide site to permit traffic flow. The highway is anticipated to fully reopen from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday before closing again overnight.
Moreton emphasized the possibility of the road closing again suddenly due to slope stability concerns or adverse weather conditions. Drivers were urged to stay updated by checking 511Yukon for the latest information.
Theron Finley, a surficial geologist with the Yukon Geological Survey, along with a colleague, visited the slide area to investigate the incident. Using drones, they were able to observe the starting point of the slide high up on the slope.
Finley indicated that the slides seemed to be a localized occurrence triggered by heavy rainfall in the region. He noted multiple slides on a nearby peak and how two of these debris flows reached the highway. The specific stretch of the highway was highlighted as susceptible to slides due to the steep terrain adjacent to the road.
Efforts are underway to document and understand these geological hazards to collaborate with other government agencies to mitigate future risks effectively.