Department of Environment of Yukon

04/20/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/20/2026 11:05

Final flood hazard maps released for Dawson, the Klondike Valley and Upper Liard

Published April 20, 2026

The Government of Yukon has released the final flood hazard maps for Dawson, the Klondike Valley and Upper Liard. These maps provide residents, First Nations governments and municipalities with clear information about areas at risk of flooding and will support community planning, emergency preparedness and long-term resilience.

The maps incorporate technical analysis completed by engineering consultants and reflect local knowledge shared during public engagement. Draft maps for Dawson and the Klondike Valley were available for public review from August 12 to September 10, 2025. Draft maps for Upper Liard were available for public review from February 6 to March 2, 2026.

Final maps incorporate local observations. For example, adjustments to mapped extents at Henderson Corner are included for the Dawson and Klondike Valley maps based on public input. Flood maps and other data are available on the Yukon Flood Hub.

The Government of Yukon will continue working with Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in, the City of Dawson, Liard First Nation and local residents to support interpretation of the maps and their use in development planning and emergency management.

These maps are an important tool to help communities adapt to and prepare for the impacts of climate change. Local knowledge is essential to understanding how flooding affects communities. Feedback received through engagement helped validate the draft maps, identify areas for improvement and strengthen the final product. I thank everyone who participated.

Minister of Environment Wade Istchenko

Communities depend on updated maps to plan for flood risks and strengthen emergency preparedness. The insights shared by residents and First Nations governments were invaluable in finalizing this work and we appreciate everyone's contribution.

Minister of Community Services Cory Bellmore

Quick facts

  • Input on draft flood hazard maps is gathered through online surveys, meetings with First Nations and municipal staff, and open houses held in each community.

  • The What We Heard report for Dawson and the Klondike Valley highlighted how residents validated most mapped flood extents and identified specific areas, such as Henderson's Corner, where adjustments were needed.

  • A separate What We Heard report for Upper Liard confirms strong alignment between the draft maps and recent flood experiences. This feedback helped refine the final maps and highlighted opportunities for continued monitoring and documentation of flood conditions.

  • The Government of Yukon has now completed maps for nine communities in the territory: Carcross; Tagish; Marsh Lake; Lake Laberge; Teslin; Old Crow; Upper Liard; Dawson; and the Klondike Valley.

Media contact

Tim Kucharuk
Press secretary, Cabinet Communications
867-335-2419
[email protected]

Mara De La Rosa
Communications, Environment
867-456-5565
[email protected]

News release #:
26-107
Department of Environment of Yukon published this content on April 20, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 20, 2026 at 17:05 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]