Abstract This paper presents the yielding characteristics of overconsolidated Bootlegger Cove Formation (BCF) clays extracted from the Port of Anchorage construction site. Additionally, it extends the critical shear strain concept to define the point at which irrecoverable deformations begin (Y2 yielding) to the case of fully reversed loadings during undrained cyclic triaxial (CyTX) tests. On-specimen linear variable differential transformers (LVDTs) and an internal load cell with high accuracy were employed to define stress–strain responses and yield points of the specimens. This paper also presents Y2 yield points obtained using standard procedures available in the technical literature based on monotonic triaxial testing to show that the size and location of the Y2 yield surface can be determined from undrained CyTX tests.