City prepares for increased escarpment risk

The City is taking steps to manage the impacts of snow melt on the downtown escarpment, including along Robert Service Way.

With record snow fall this past winter, there is an increased risk of landslides during the freshet season.

The City is actively monitoring the escarpment and has enhanced its monitoring program for 2026.  In late March, geotechnical engineering inspections began along the escarpment and the City’s slope scanner was re-installed and activated. New GPS sensors have been installed in key areas along the escarpment to help detect movement. In addition, the City is working with technical experts to conduct regular engineering inspections, drone surveys and other survey methods to monitor the escarpment in way that prioritizes public safety.

The City has also installed new traffic control gates south of the roundabout at 4^th Avenue and Robert Service Way and between the Millennium Trail parking area and the entrance to the Robert Service Campground. The gates will be used to block vehicle access if there is a high risk of a landslide or in the event of an emergency to protect the safety of residents.

Residents living downtown in the high and moderate risk zones along the escarpment and those commuting or recreating in the area should be aware of the increased risk of landslides and make a plan in the event of activity in the area.

Find info about how to prepare yourself for an emergency at whitehorse.ca/emergency.

The City will continue to share information to keep residents updated in the weeks ahead. For more information about the plan for the escarpment in 2026, please visit EngageWhitehorse.ca/Escarpment-2026