The City of Whitehorse is bracing for warmer weather after the “massive” snowfall during a short duration of time, followed by a melt. and then a freezing period in the forecast.
The city’s director of operations Travis Whiting told city council that crews are preparing for the shift as they look towards the end of the week, with Environment Canada forecasting a high of +7C on Friday.
“We’re going to expect to see some challenging road conditions,” Whiting said. “The city will be out there in full force, working with our contracted teams as well to stay ahead of it.”
A report from the city operations committee acknowledges city staff and first responders’ efforts amid the prolonged “extreme cold” over the holidays. Snow-clearing crews are working behind the scenes to keep up with heavy snowfalls, per the report.
Whiting said the city plans to put out information to be clear to the public about its plans so people know what to expect if the forecasted weather pattern holds up.
The city has persisted through the cold and snow. The News previously reported the city set a new December precipitation record for Whitehorse, with 64 millimetres in last month, the highest since local records began in 1940 and far above the long-term average of 16 millimetres, according to Environment Canada meteorologist Bobby Sekhon.
Sekhon said recent snowfall in the city amounted to roughly a month’s worth in just a couple of days.
Mayor Kirk Cameron commented on the number of people out there with shovels who are helping their neighbours and getting vehicles out of ditches.
“We’ve just had an incredible movement of citizenry in our community over this last while, and I just wanted to say thank you to all of our citizens,” Cameron said.
Coun. Jenny Hamilton reminded drivers to drive to conditions “which is going to be soupy and slippery so be mindful. To the limit or less. That’s why we put those signs up.”
Contact Dana Hatherly at dana.hatherly@yukon-news.com