Escarpment 2026

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The City is planning for the 2026 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 2026 freshet season if geotechnical engineers recommend closure based on slope conditions. Read the FAQs for more info.

Stay tuned here for updates on the status of the escarpment, and follow our social media channels on Facebook and Instagram 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 911;
  • 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 on our website

Find out how to prepare your household for an emergency at whitehorse.ca/emergency.

The City is planning for the 2026 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 2026 freshet season if geotechnical engineers recommend closure based on slope conditions. Read the FAQs for more info.

Stay tuned here for updates on the status of the escarpment, and follow our social media channels on Facebook and Instagram 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 911;
  • 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 on our website

Find out how to prepare your household for an emergency at whitehorse.ca/emergency.

  • City prepares for increased escarpment risk

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    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 4th 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 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 4th 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.

Page last updated: 09 Apr 2026, 05:51 PM