There is no word yet on when the Dettah ice road across Yellowknife Bay will open for the winter.
The six-and-a-half kilometre ice crossing typically opens by Christmas but unseasonably mild temperatures appear to to be delaying construction yet again.
The ice road didn’t open last winter until Jan. 10.
NNSL Media attempted to reach the Department of Infrastructure for an update Dec. 27 but was greeted by an automated email stating the office is closed until Jan. 2
Based on historic data listed on the department’s website, the opening date for the Dettah ice road over the past five years ranges from Dec. 24 to Jan. 12.
Last winter, the ice road opened Jan. 10 and closed April 10. In 2021, the crossing opened on Dec. 24 and closed April 22. In 2020, the ice road was open on Dec. 24 and closed on April 16. In 2019, the stretch opened Jan. 11 and closed April 19.
Some NNSL staff went snowmobiling on Boxing Day and noted significant overflow on lakes around the city, making the ride more challenging and dangerous.
NNSL will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the Dettah ice road as they become available.