Chilkat Valley News - Serving Haines and Klukwan, Alaska since 1966

Heavy snowfall, freezing rain and black ice caused Yukon transportation officials to close the Haines Highway past the border Dec. 5, blocking the path to Haines Junction and Whitehorse for a week.

Yukon Territory Department of Highways and Public Works also closed the road from Haines Junction to Destruction Bay in Yukon Territory. Highway 1 was also closed from Haines Junction to about halfway to Whitehorse. Officials reopened that section on the afternoon of Dec. 11. Haines Highway was reopened on Dec. 12.

Mickey Parkin, superintendent of safety and operations, said snow and freezing rain blocked the road from Haines Summit to Whitehorse. The border station at Dalton Cache remained open.

Parkin said he didn’t know how much snow had accumulated, but that black ice made travel dangerous. He said road crews worked to clear the highway over the weekend, but made minimal progress.

“I guess in periods of continuous poor weather you’re only going to be able to do as much as mother nature allows you to,” Parkin said.

He said people should be aware of freeze and thaw cycles and give themselves plenty of time for travel. The public can check Yukon 511 for weather and road closure updates.