Revised -The Yukon River Quest (TRQ) has issued a high water advisory on their website and Facebook page. The advisory reads as follows:

“After several days of heavy rain, water levels in the Yukon River and its tributaries are rising faster than anticipated. Fast flowing water with floating debris and ‘sweepers’ can present challenges to even the skilled paddler. Competing in the YRQ under such conditions demands a high degree of care. Every team and each individual should self-assess whether they possess the required skills to compete this year. It is strongly recommended that only paddlers with significant skills and experience in fast-flowing water participate in the 2022 YRQ. – Stephen Mooney, Race Marshall and Deb Bartlette, President and Asst Race Marshall”

A few racers have already reacted to the high water advisory from YRQ on Facebook, including a suggestion to promote the half-race to Carmacks as an alternative for some teams. At least one other racer has stated his experienced voyageur team will carry on despite the conditions.

One poster on Facebook asked if there’s any possibility of the race being cancelled. Past YRQ president Peter Coates replied “that looks very unlikely.”

The Yukon government has issued a flood warning for the Yukon River at Carmacks and a high streamflow advisory for the Yukon River at Dawson.

The Star will have have more on this story in the coming days.