Portions of Old Crow have been placed under evacuation alert as the Porcupine River is under a flood watch.
According to a notice issued by the Yukon government and the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (VGFN) at 1:30 p.m. on May 23, the alert applies to Old Crow evacuation zones 1,2 and 3, the areas closest to the river.
The First Nation and the Yukon government have also issued a travel advisory for the region. They are asking people to hold off any non-essential travel to the northern fly-in community to avoid tying up crucial flood response resources. Travel needed for essential services like responding to the flood situation and other health and wellness purposes, caregiving and family emergencies is still advised.
Information on the territorial government’s flood information page states that water level increases driven by snow melt are being observed in the Porcupine River watershed. There are signs of ice breaking free from shore and open leads in parts of the watershed where the water is still frozen. The risk of ice breakup at Old Crow is considered elevated due to the delayed onset of the melting and rising streamflow.
According to the flood information page, this could lead to a rapid breakup. Breakup is anticipated within the next 24 to 72 hours. The probability of an ice jam downstream of Old Crow is considered high but is expected to decrease as the ice melts.
People are being advised to stay clear of unstable river banks and fast-flowing rivers at this time. Those who own properties prone to flooding are being advised to prepare.
People in the area are being asked to notify VGFN reception, its emergency management team or the RCMP at 867-966-5555 if they see signs of flooding.
Additional information is expected to be shared on the the Yukon government’s emergency advisories page and the VGFN Facebook page as conditions change.
Contact Jim Elliot at jim.elliot@yukon-news.com
