Shifting ice watched closely by Yukon Protective Services and those with a stake in IODE fundraiser The Yukon River ice has broken in front of Dawson City and vast floes have spent the day heading north. Two people will share the prize. The IODE, which runs a fundraiser in which people can stake a bet on the time the ice will begin to move, posted an announcement on Facebook on the afternoon of April 30 after the time was confirmed. They explained it took a little longer this year. “We are pleased to announce that the river has broken in Dawson City,” the post reads. “OFFICIAL ICE BREAK UP TIME FOR 2025 is: 10:56 a.m. on April 30! ‘We have TWO WINNERS this year — both Dawsonites — who will split the record-breaking pot! We are still trying to reach our winners, so stand by!” Later in the day one of winners, Paul Robitaille, made his own announcement: “This has been years of missed days, broken pencils on countless books of tickets, and chances literally flushed down the river with the ice, but today at 10:56 a.m., I (and one other lucky contestant) correctly chose the 2025 IODE Dawson Yukon River Ice Breakup time. Welcome summer! Thanks to IODE, Yukon Energy, and all those who put on this fundraiser.” The other winner had not been identified as of this writing. The IODE explained this year’s main issue. Generally, a tripod fixed to the ice stops a clock by pulling a cable when the ice begins to move but due to a malfunction this year eyewitnesses were required. “We had a little hiccup with our set-up this year…. the cable really didn’t want to let go of its grasp of the shore to stop the clock, and it didn’t! BUT we had a bunch of eyewitnesses that were able to help us pinpoint the time the tripod broke free! AND, ultimately, we didn’t have to worry too much — the next closest guess was a full 7 minutes off at 11:03,” IODE’s announcement reads. “Thank you to everyone who contributed to this year’s ice pool or bought a ticket! Noted assistance this year came from Integraphics Ltd in Whitehorse — our trusted ticket printers in Whitehorse!” Later on the afternoon of the April 30, Yukon Protective Services was reporting on the movement of the ice: “As of 3:20 pm, the breakup front is approximately 50 kilometres downstream of Dawson and pushing through the ice nicely. “Below Dawson, a 25 km stretch of open water has formed, while the ice remains intact from below the open stretch to the Forty Mile River. Ice jamming is possible, but not certain. While water levels could rise further in Dawson, it is not expected to result in flooding. However, Moosehide could potentially be affected. “The Klondike River has broken up and mostly cleared of ice, so its Ice Advisory is ended. Moderate flood risk remains for freshet (snowmelt peak flow which is expected in the next few weeks). “Stay away from the riverbanks and be careful during breakup. If you live near water, or in a flood-prone area, you should prepare to deal with flooding on your property. Sandbags and gravel are available at the Mammoth Statue in Dawson and the Klondike Valley Fire Hall for anyone to use to protect their property.” Dan Davidson taught in Beaver Creek, Faro, and Dawson from 1976-2008. Since 1977 he has been writing reviews, news and commentary for the Whitehorse Star and What’s Up Yukon, and recently for the late Yukon Star. In 1989 he helped to found the Klondike Sun, which he edited for 31 years, and remains on its board of directors.
Yukon River breaks and starts to move at Dawson City
