Carmacks surficial geology and community hazard susceptibility mapping

The Carmacks surficial geology and community hazard susceptibility mapping was completed to support land use planning, but also provides a valuable base map for public education about the origins of the landscape. The Village of Carmacks spans the Yukon River valley at the mouth of the Nordenskiöld River and the landscape reflects the areas recent glacial and post-glacial history. About 16¿000 years ago, a large glacier melted in the vicinity leaving behind a complex topography of undulating hills and depressions. This was subsequently eroded through by the Yukon River, and large gravel terraces formed, providing a foundation for the community. Natural changes to the landscape continue and these changes can present public safety hazards and risks to current and future development projects. This map and associated hazard assessment provides the necessary baseline information to make informed land use decisions through identifying which areas of the community are most susceptible to landscape hazards. The most common hazards present in the community include, river erosion and flooding, landslides, and permafrost. It is our goal to provide Yukon communities with accurate geological knowledge concerning these natural processes, with the hope they are referenced in all future planning. Palmer Environmental Consulting has completed the most detailed surficial geology mapping and thorough analyses of potential landscape hazards ever produced for the greater Carmacks area.