Residents in Watson Lake, Yukon, should prepare for two heavy snowfalls starting January 30, 2026, which could make driving and travel difficult across the region. Environment forecasts expect between 5 and 10 centimetres of snow on Friday, Jan. 30, followed by another roughly 10 centimetres around Feb. 7.
The second storm is notable because 10 cm in one event is about one-third of Watson Lake’s average February snowfall (roughly 27–30 cm). The Town of Watson Lake says municipal crews will prioritize clearing main roads and emergency routes first to keep traffic moving; the town’s Snow Removal Policy also states that snow removal between the travelled portion of the road and the property line is the responsibility of the property owner.
Travel on major routes such as the Alaska Highway may be slower than usual; drivers should check 511 Yukon for the latest road conditions. Town officials are asking residents to move vehicles and other obstructions off the streets so snow plows can work quickly. Residents can sign up for updates through the Voyent Alert! system used by the town.
The weather may also affect local services, including scheduled flights to Watson Lake operated by Air North (service frequency can vary by season). Parents should watch for school bus delays — the Government of Yukon notes buses may be late or cancelled if road conditions are unsafe for student transportation. Mayor Lauren Hanchar, elected in the 2024 municipal election, is the town’s mayor; town officials are urging residents to plan ahead for the back-to-back storms.
