Yukon’s South Klondike Highway south of Carcross has partially reopened to traffic after being closed for nearly two days due to rock slides on Tuesday. Officials cautioned that the road could close again unexpectedly.
The highway reopened from 1:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday with single-lane alternating traffic and reduced speeds. Motorists were advised to anticipate delays as maintenance crews continued working in the area.
Bailey Moreton from the Department of Highways and Public Works explained that the reopening provided a detour around the landslide section, facilitating traffic flow. The highway is set to fully reopen from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday before closing overnight.
Moreton emphasized the possibility of sudden closures due to slope stability concerns or adverse weather conditions. Drivers were urged to monitor 511Yukon for real-time updates.
Following the incident, Theron Finley, a surficial geologist from the Yukon Geological Survey, conducted a site visit with a colleague to investigate the rock slides. Using drones, they observed the starting point of the slide on the slope.
Finley characterized the slides as a localized occurrence triggered by heavy rainfall. He highlighted the vulnerability of that highway stretch to slides due to the steep terrain adjacent to the road.
The geologist emphasized the importance of documenting and studying such events to anticipate and mitigate future geological hazards in collaboration with other government entities.