⁠Has Gold Rush: White Water been cancelled? Details explored

Gold Rush: White Water is hitting pause, for now. The Alaska-based Discovery series, which followed brave divers and miners hunting for gold in rough, icy waters, has been put on indefinite hold.

Line producer Jonathan Knapp broke the news in an email to the crew, confirming that while Season 9 (filmed last summer) is still in post-production, there are no plans to shoot more episodes anytime soon. Discovery hasn’t ruled out a return, though Knapp says the network could bring Gold Rush: White Water back “in some form” down the road.

Gold Rush: White Water originally premiered in 2018 and ran for nine intense, gear-grinding seasons. It documented crews working dangerous underwater mining operations throughout the Chilkat Range. Cast members used specialized diving equipment to extract gold from fast-moving rivers and streams. McKinley Creek served as a primary filming location where teams faced extreme conditions and unpredictable results.

Raw TV produced the series, though company representatives declined to provide additional details about the cancellation. Cast and crew members also remained silent due to non-disclosure agreements preventing public statements about the show's status.

Economic impact of Gold Rush: White Water’s cancellation and cast departures

The production's halt affects Haines' businesses that relied on Gold Rush: White Water's annual presence. Local suppliers like Olerud's Alaska Sport Shop and Howser's IGA regularly provided equipment and provisions to the filming crew. Delta Western supplied fuel for each season's operations.

Recent seasons have also contracted helicopter services to transport crews to remote mining claims. Doug Olerud from Alaska Sport Shop received official notification about the cancellation last week. He expressed concerns about reduced business activity for the upcoming year.

"With the potential lack of Canadians coming down, and Gold Rush not being here, I think this is probably going to be a slower year than normal for us," Olerud stated.

Gold Rush: White Water's absence clubs existing challenges for local tourism and commerce.

Kayla Johanson, a notable cast member, departed the series during the 2023 season, with her final appearance aired on June 8, 2023. Her departure heightened behind-the-scenes tensions, which may have led to the show's final hiatus.

In her Facebook statement, Johanson highlighted artistic disagreements as well as unhappiness with production decisions. She wrote that working on the show was "tying me down too much and taking too much away from my own personal mining goals and business goals."

Her conflicts with crew leader Dustin Hurt became apparent during Gold Rush: White Water filming. Disagreements over work strategies and team dynamics created friction that affected production quality. Johanson also criticized how producers portrayed her experience and expertise.

Following her departure, Johanson launched independent mining operations in Alaska. She now runs The Peeking Doe, an Etsy shop selling handmade jewelry created from minerals she discovers. Her YouTube channel documents current diving expeditions and equipment testing.

Her most recent video, uploaded June 27, 2025, showcased the Keene RC1 G Force Rock Crusher during equipment trials. These authentic presentations contrast sharply with heavily edited television content. Johanson has built a dedicated following that appreciates her unfiltered approach to mining documentation.

What does the future hold for the Gold Rush?

The show's lengthy and indefinite hiatus underscores larger issues in reality television production. Cost increases, casting problems, and shifting audience tastes have all had an impact on Discovery Channel programming. While the network has not ruled out future revivals, there are no clear plans to continue the series.

The decision by Raw TV hints that Gold Rush: White Water may have come to a natural end after nine seasons. The finished final season will most likely be the series' finale, unless Discovery Channel management decides to greenlight further episodes with different cast members or locales.

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Gold Rush: White Water airs on the Discovery Channel and streams on Discovery+

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