Travel advisory issued in response to high water levels across the Yukon

Issued at 2:30 pm on Friday, June 17

Floods and high water levels are impacting several Yukon communities. There are currently four communities under a Flood Warning and two communities with active High Streamflow Advisories. There is also an evacuation alert in place for some areas of the territory.

An Emergency Coordination Centre is activated to coordinate the Government of Yukon’s response to flooding and to support communities with their own flood response. Government hydrologists are closely watching water levels and the Critical Infrastructure Team is engaged to actively monitor critical infrastructure across the territory.

The Government of Yukon’s Emergency Support Services (ESS) team and the Canadian Red Cross are working together to ensure supports are available for people who are required to leave their homes due to flood waters. Yukoners impacted by the flood waters are encouraged to phone ESS at 867-332-7367 to pre-register or if they have any questions. Pre-registering allows you to receive any urgent assistance you may need, helps the government know that everyone who had to leave their homes is safe, and ensures you are able to receive important updates and services.

The most up-to-date information is available at Yukon.ca/emergencies.

Travel respectfully

  • Do not linger in areas where flood mitigation work is happening.
  • Do not interfere with crews working on-site.
  • Respect any closures or advisories communities have in place.
  • Be as self-sufficient as possible. Try to bring all the required supplies for the duration of your travel, including extra food and water.
  • Prepare for possible traffic delays and do not depend on commercial accommodation in communities if you have not already booked.

Road travel

The Critical Infrastructure Team is engaged to actively monitor critical infrastructure across the territory, including roadways and bridges.

The Alaska Highway remains safe and open for travel. Crews are continuously monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of the travelling public. Stay tuned to Yukon 511 for the most up-to-date information.

If you are travelling to the Yukon through British Columbia via the Alaska Highway or Stewart Cassiar Highway, check Drive BC for the latest road information.

Water quality

Flood waters can lead to increased contaminants in lakes and rivers. Individuals travelling on the land should be extra careful while purifying their drinking water.

Flooding can contaminate private wells and your community water supplies. Do not drink water until it has been tested. Yukoners concerned about the quality of their drinking water should contact Environmental Health Services at 867-332-3227 or environmental.health@yukon.ca

A boil water advisory is currently in effect for residents of the Village of Carmacks and Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation who use private wells. All active boil water advisories are posted on Yukon.ca/emergencies.

Safety on and near waterways

Floods and high water levels can make it dangerous to travel on and near waterways.

  • Be aware that changing weather conditions and snowmelt can lead to dynamic conditions and rapid increases in flow and water levels.
  • Stay away from river edges and shorelines. Riverbanks may become undercut and collapse due to high water levels.
  • Do not walk or drive through flood waters. The water may be deeper and faster moving than it looks.
  • Be aware of debris in waterways and landslides around flooded areas.
  • Do not leave children unattended near lakes and rivers. 
  • If you choose to travel by river, do extensive research, understand the local conditions, and ensure you are prepared before you go. 

 

Media contact

Emergency Coordination Centre Information Officer

Ecc.information@yukon.ca

867-332-4797