Abstract: Five case studies of recent landslides in southwestern Yukon Territory illustrate the role of permafrost in landslide processes of the region. In the Marshall Creek basin, permafrost degradation after recent forest fires caused numerous debris flows near the valley bottom. Similarly, on Haeckel Hill, firerelated deepening of the active layer has facilitated active layer detachment slides on upper hillside slopes. In the Kluane Range, the interface between frozen and unfrozen ground appears to control the depth of movement for active layer detachment slides and debris flows along Silver Creek. The failure mechanism on Mount Sumanik is controlled by a frozen substrate, which contributes to a reduction in drainage and elevated pore-water pressure. Lastly, thawing of segregated ice has caused a thaw slump of fine-grained sediment in lacustrine terraces along Takhini River.

Authors: Huscroft, C., Lipovsky, P.S. and Bond, J.D.

Keywords: geohazards, Geological Hazards, landslides, Permafrost

NTS Mapsheet(s): 115A, 115B, 115C, 115F, 115G, 115H

Citation: Huscroft, C., Lipovsky, P.S. and Bond, J.D., 2004. Permafrost and landslide activity: Case studies from southwestern Yukon Territory. In: Yukon Exploration and Geology 2003, Emond, D.S. and Lewis, L.L. (eds.), Yukon Geological Survey, p. 107-119.

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