The spring breakup could cause flooding. The amount the river could flood depends on factors like whether ice jams form downstream from Old Crow as well as the timing of freshet melt.
While the Emergency Response Planning Team monitors water levels, it is important for you to keep enjoying your daily routine and this week’s community activities.
Response actions
- Hydrologists are flying the river this morning to assess ice conditions. An update on ice conditions will be provided this afternoon.
- The Emergency Response Planning Team has created a resident’s guide to preparing for the flood that is online and in Old Crow at the community hall, admin building, and the Co-op.
- Dams are being installed around critical infrastructure. Work at the sewage lagoon continues and the dump is still closed.
- After the sewage lagoon is protected, crews will work on the water treatment facility.
- Power and telecommunications technicians are preparing power and connectivity infrastructure for potential flooding.
How you can prepare for flooding
- Stay well away from moving water and ice, and keep children safely away.
- Check the Vuntut Gwitchin Government Facebook page for updates.
- Get a copy of the resident’s guide to preparing for the flood.
- Prepare an emergency kit with enough supplies for 72 hours.
- Register your household evacuation plan with Loretta Itsi or Megan Williams at the Administration office. This includes travel plans for the month of May. You can also ask for extra help for people in your household.
Potential evacuation outreach methods
The Emergency Response Planning Team will:
- go door to door;
- play sirens; and
- post on the Vuntut Gwitchin Government Facebook page.
Children will be kept safely at the school if flooding occurs during the school day.
Contact:
For flood information, please call Mike Fancie, public information officer, at 867-332-1928.