The spring breakup and freshet are causing minor to moderate flooding. While the Emergency Response Planning Team monitors water levels, it is important for you to keep enjoying your daily routine.
Response actions
- Experts are monitoring water melt levels as freshet continues to flow down the Porcupine River. Water levels at Old Crow continue to drop from Sunday evening’s peak. Forecast warm weather could lead to more peaks, but none are expected to top Sunday levels.
- Workers are remediating the Dump Road. It will stay closed overnight to allow water to drain from around the sewage lagoon. The sewage lagoon is functioning properly but will be inaccessible until workers re-open the road, which is planned today.
- A drone operator is mapping inundation levels around Old Crow and surveying upstream tributaries.
- Nobody has had to evacuate due to water on their property. Old Crow evacuation zones 1, 2 and 3 remain under an evacuation alert and must be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
How you can prepare for flooding
- We need to create less sewage water to limit sewage lagoon issues. Use less water. Use taps and flush toilets less, take shorter and fewer showers, and only do laundry when necessary.
- A resident’s guide to preparing for the flood is available at the community hall, admin building, and the Co-op.
- Keep boats out of the river. Ice from the Crow, Bell and Upper Porcupine rivers still needs to flow down the river.
- Stay well away from moving water and ice and keep children safely away.
- Check the Vuntut Gwitchin Government Facebook page for updates.
- Prepare an emergency kit with enough supplies for 72 hours.
Potential evacuation outreach methods
-
The Emergency Response Planning Team will tell you if you need to leave by going door to door and posting on the Vuntut Gwitchin Government Facebook page. Updates will also be broadcast via radio on FM 105.5.
Contact
For flood information, please call Mike Fancie, public information officer, at 867-332-1928.