Flood risk prompts evacuation alert for Yukon's Klondike River valley

An evacuation alert has been issued for the Klondike River valley near Dawson City, Yukon, along with a flood watch advisory as ice jams threaten to raise water levels in some areas.

The evacuation alert was issued Thursday afternoon "as a precautionary measure," according to emergency officials. It applies to the area between Henderson Corner and where the Klondike meets the Yukon River, at Dawson.

The flood watch was issued on Thursday afternoon, and applies to the section of the Klondike from the dredge pond area to the confluence with the Yukon. The advisory is a step up from the high streamflow advisory that was issued for the area earlier in the week.

"The Klondike is expected to break up within the next one to four days. During that time water levels will fluctuate as jams form and release," Thursday's advisory reads.

It says an ice jam near the Klondike Highway bridge is difficult to predict, "but has the potential to cause flooding."

Emergency officials say an ice jam near the Klondike Highway bridge is difficult to predict, 'but has the potential to cause flooding.' (Chris MacIntyre/CBC)

"This is considered the highest risk area for flooding over the next five days," the advisory states.

Melting snow is also expected to contribute to rising water levels over the coming days, though that's expected to slow after the weekend when the weather is forecasted to cool. The Klondike region had higher than normal snow pack as of April 1.

Dawson Mayor Bill Kendrick said on Thursday the evacuation alert means residents should be ready to leave on short notice.

"I think the message is, don't panic — just be prepared," he said.

Kendrick said sandbags will be available for anybody who needs them, at the C-4 subdivision, the mammoth statue downtown, and at the Klondike fire hall.

He also said emergency updates and flood conditions will be broadcast locally on radio, at 105.5 FM and 106.9 FM.

Last year, many properties in the area were flooded because of ice jams on the Klondike.