Detailed surficial geology mapping (1:15 000 scale) was carried out from 2022-2024 for the area surrounding the Village of Haines Junction in southwestern Yukon, within the Traditional Territory of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations. Mapping was based on desktop interpretations of high-resolution lidar, as well as air photo and satellite imagery. This was further supported by a variety of field investigations including analysis of stratigraphic sections and geotechnical drill logs.
The map portrays properties of surface sediments, including texture, genetic material, surface expression and stratigraphy. Geomorphological processes that presently modify surficial materials and/or did so in the past, are also identified. Some of these processes include geohazards such as landslides, permafrost thaw and flooding.
A variety of landforms which indicate the presence of permafrost are mapped, including pingos, thermokarst collapse ponds, lithalsas and retrogressive thaw flow landslides. Locations of recent permafrost investigations are also shown, including geophysical surveys and shallow boreholes drilled to establish permafrost-monitoring stations.
This work will ultimately support a variety of community activities, such as land use planning, archeological investigations, agricultural development, aggregate exploration, and infrastructure work. It also helps to better constrain the unique history of Neoglacial Lake Alsek, which inundated the area multiple times during recent advances of the Lowell Glacier across the Alsek River.
