Geothermal Exploration Data for Dakwäkäda (Haines Junction), Yukon

Yukon Geological Survey and partners analyzed geoscience data in southwestern Yukon to evaluate geothermal potential near Haines Junction (Dakwäkäda). The work includes 2D map interpretation and a 3D geologic model guided by gravity, magnetic, and audio-magnetotelluric survey data. A municipal water well drilled in 2002 proves the presence of a warm (~20 °C) sediment-hosted geothermal aquifer.

Use Cases

• Identify potential geothermal reservoir locations based on depth-to-bedrock modeling
• Evaluate subsurface temperature gradients using data from existing wells
• Plan exploratory drilling sites based on interpreted geological and geophysical datasets
• Model geothermal aquifer temperatures using estimated gradients and bedrock depths

Strengths

• Includes both pre-existing and newly acquired geological and geophysical datasets
• Depth-to-bedrock model identifies four target areas with depths from 650 to 1225 m
• Temperature gradient data (~60 °C/km) from two wells provides a baseline estimate

Limitations

• The exact location, temperature, thickness, and permeability of potential aquifers remains unknown due to lack of deep drilling
• Geologic structures and faults controlling bedrock permeability remain poorly constrained
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download

Provenance

Source

Government of Yukon | Gouvernement du Yukon

Collection Method

Analysis and interpretation of pre-existing and newly acquired datasets, including geophysical inversion modeling.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-04-17 15:48:10.526369; freshness should be verified

Geography

Vicinity of the Village of Haines Junction (Dakwäkäda), Yukon, between the Denali and Shakwak fault zones.