Escarpment 2025

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The City is planning for the 2025 freshet season and monitoring the impacts of snow melt on the downtown escarpment, including along Robert Service Way.

There continues to be a risk of landslides along the escarpment and Robert Service Way, as occurred in 2022 and 2023.

There is a potential for Robert Service Way, the Millennium Trail and other trails along the base of the escarpment to experience partial or full closures during the 2025 freshet season if geotechnical engineers recommend closure based on slope conditions.

Stay tuned here for updates on the status of the escarpment, and follow our social media channels on Facebook(External link) and Instagram(External link) for updates.

Please contact the City if you have concerns about the escarpment:

  • in emergencies (imminent slope failure or public safety risk): contact the Whitehorse Fire Department by calling 9-1-1;
  • after hours (non-emergency): call the City reporting line at 867-667-2111; and/or
  • for questions and general slope observations, contact City of Whitehorse staff using Report a Problem(External link) on our website

The City is planning for the 2025 freshet season and monitoring the impacts of snow melt on the downtown escarpment, including along Robert Service Way.

There continues to be a risk of landslides along the escarpment and Robert Service Way, as occurred in 2022 and 2023.

There is a potential for Robert Service Way, the Millennium Trail and other trails along the base of the escarpment to experience partial or full closures during the 2025 freshet season if geotechnical engineers recommend closure based on slope conditions.

Stay tuned here for updates on the status of the escarpment, and follow our social media channels on Facebook(External link) and Instagram(External link) for updates.

Please contact the City if you have concerns about the escarpment:

  • in emergencies (imminent slope failure or public safety risk): contact the Whitehorse Fire Department by calling 9-1-1;
  • after hours (non-emergency): call the City reporting line at 867-667-2111; and/or
  • for questions and general slope observations, contact City of Whitehorse staff using Report a Problem(External link) on our website

  • Airport Area Trail Closures

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    As part of the City’s ongoing monitoring of the escarpment during spring freshet, sections of the East Airport Access Road Trail have been temporarily closed. This includes small connector trails within the area shown on the map.

    Spring snow melt is causing localized erosion in the area. The City made the decision to close trails to keep trail users safe. The Black Street stairs remain open.

    Active monitoring of the escarpment includes the use of a slope scanner, regular engineering inspections, drone surveys and other measures to ensure water seepage and potential slides can be managed in a way that prioritizes public safety.

    Changes in trail status and traffic flow may be altered as monitoring continues.

    We thank the public for their cooperation.

    Contact:

    Guiniveve Lalena
    Acting Manager, Strategic Communications
    City of Whitehorse
    guiniveve.lalena@whitehorse.ca
    (867) 334-2400

  • Robert Service Way traffic changes

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    City crews will be introducing new traffic control measures along Robert Service Way this weekend.

    As was done in 2024, as a precautionary measure, temporary jersey barriers and delineators will be installed to shift traffic lanes away from the toe of the escarpment.

    This is part of the City’s proactive efforts to prepare for spring freshet. The City is also actively monitoring the escarpment, using a slope scanner, regular engineering inspections, drone surveys and other measures, to ensure water seepage and slides can be managed in way that prioritizes public safety.

    City crews are scheduled to start installing measures to shift traffic lanes as early as March 30. Traffic lanes are not expected to be closed during the work and there will be minimal disruption to the public. Traffic control will be on site to guide the movement of trucks hauling near the site.

    Those travelling the road are asked to be cautious of workers in the area and obey all traffic control signage.

    Cyclists are encouraged to use the Millennium Trail, which remains open for active transportation.


Page last updated: 10 Apr 2025, 03:47 PM