Parks Canada has issued a travel advisory for anyone planning to hike the Chilkoot Trail over the coming weeks.
The normal spring avalanche cycle in the area has not yet occurred, said Anne Morin, Parks’ Yukon superintendent.
“Just because of the additional snowpack, we’re asking people to be especially careful between Sheep Camp and Happy Camp.”
The deep winter snow has been slow to melt as a result of cooler spring temperatures.
Hikers are urged not to stop in marked avalanche zones, and to travel through them early in the day when possible.
In addition to the higher avalanche risk, hikers can expect that more sections of the trail will be covered in snow.
Parks Canada has recommended against solo travel and that hikers carry avalanche rescue gear, snowshoes and trekking poles.
There are currently three groups registered to hike the trail before June 15, said Morin. But most of the hikers that go this time of year are walk-ins, she said.
Anyone planning the hike can check www.parkscanada.gc.ca/chilkoot or call 1-800-661-0486 for up-to-date information on trail conditions.
The situation is being monitored closely and updates will be posted as they become available.
It is hard to say at this point when the travel advisory will be lifted, said Morin.
Contact Jacqueline Ronson at jronson@yukon-news.com