Following back-to-back avalanches, Juneau officials warn of potential future dangers

JUNEAU, Alaska (KTUU) - A prolonged winter storm piled multiple feet of snow in some areas of Southeast Alaska, with the state’s capital city feeling the effects with two avalanches striking areas on either side of Downtown Juneau.

After several days of snowy weather, the storm moved on by Tuesday, as freezing fog retreated to reveal clear blue skies, according to the National Weather Service.

Between Saturday and Tuesday, the storm dumped over 30 inches of snow on parts of Juneau and the small community of Pelican, according to NWS.

After an avalanche temporarily closed Thane Road south of Juneau, a second avalanche was confirmed Tuesday on the other side of downtown above where Behrends Avenue sits, according to Juneau Public Information Officer Meredith Thatcher. Although Thatcher said the slide did not impact any roadways or buildings, she asked community members to avoid spending time below the avalanche path, citing heavy snow and the potential for additional slides.

Thatcher directed concerned citizens to two avalanche resources: Juneau’s 2022 avalanche maps and the urban avalanche advisory page.

“Residents and homeowners in the Behrends subdivision are encouraged to stay alert to their surroundings and to current weather conditions. In the event of an emergency, call 911 immediately,” Thatcher wrote in a release.

On Monday, an avalanche buried Thane Road in 1-2 feet of snow, over a mile south of Downtown Juneau. According to Juneau City Manager Katie Koester, avalanches in this area are not an uncommon event, and the roadway was reopened on Tuesday afternoon after state transportation crews plowed the slide area.

The snow is also contributing to dangerous conditions for harbored boats.

“Docks & Harbors would like to remind all boat owners to make sure their vessels and structures are cleared of snow and all pumps are operating correctly, their boats are not taking on any water, and all mooring lines are secure,” Thatcher wrote on Monday.

According to Juneau Harbormaster Matthew Creswell, heavy snow accumulation contributed to the sinking of three boats. Creswell has been working with his crew to help clear boats and structures throughout the day on Monday.

“We’ve got boat shelters that are heavily laden and are starting to sink,” Creswell said. “People are feverishly shoveling their boats.”

Creswell the storm’s hardships have led to many acts of generosity.

“It’s quite a mess down here right now and it’s pretty neat to see everybody coming out and helping each other — although it’s very hard to drive right now on the roads. I’ve been out and about for the last six hours and seems to be getting worse instead of better,” Creswell said.

Koester said on Monday maintenance crews were working around the clock to clear roadways.

“Many streets are down to one lane — if plowed at all if they’re neighborhood streets,” Koester said. “So we’re really encouraging people to stay off the streets, stay off the sidewalks and only travel if necessary.”

The Juneau School District announced all JSD schools and programs are closed Tuesday.

This story has been updated with additional information.

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