Although the White Channel gravel (WCG) of the Klondike district, Yukon, contains gold placers
which have been exploited for over a century, few sedimentological studies have been undertaken.
This study reports a four stage evolution of the WCG, comprising:
i. An initial downcutting period which preferentially retained gold particles on the base of the
strath.
ii. An aggradational stage in which gold concentration occurred within sedimentary features.
iii. A lacustrine layer representing a depositional hiatus.
iv. A final, more rapidly aggrading fluvial stage.
Identification of the lacustrine layer has clarified the evolution of the WCG depositional fluvial
systems. Architectural element analysis and detailed sedimentological observations have been
synthesized to gain a clearer understanding of the spatial variations within the WCG. Additionally, the
identification of plant species from pollen within the lacustrine layer provides irrefutable evidence that
the Klondike district was at least 7°C warmer during the Pliocene compared to the present
