Yukon’s South Klondike Highway south of Carcross has been partially reopened to traffic after being closed for almost two days due to rock slides that occurred on Tuesday. Officials have cautioned that the highway may close again without notice.
The highway reopened on Thursday afternoon with single-lane alternating traffic and reduced speeds from 1:30 to 6 p.m. Drivers should anticipate delays as crews are still working in the area. Bailey Moreton from the Department of Highways and Public Works mentioned that this temporary detour allows traffic to pass around the landslide zone.
The highway is scheduled to fully reopen on Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. but will close overnight. Moreton emphasized the possibility of sudden closures due to slope stability concerns or adverse weather conditions, advising drivers to check for updates on 511Yukon.
Surficial geologist Theron Finley and a colleague visited the slide area on Wednesday to investigate the incident. Using drones, they observed the starting point of the slide on the slope. Finley noted that the slides were likely triggered by heavy rainfall, leading to debris flows reaching the highway.
The geologist highlighted the highway’s susceptibility to slides due to its steep terrain, emphasizing the importance of understanding and documenting these events to prevent future geological hazards. Collaboration with government agencies is crucial for mitigating such geologic risks.