Multiple small avalanches release in Juneau after city issues evacuation advisory
KTOO••general
Key Points:
- Two small avalanches occurred on Mount Juneau's slide path above the Behrends neighborhood, prompting the city to issue an evacuation advisory for residents in known slide paths downtown and along Thane Road.
- City residents like Ezra Strong have chosen not to evacuate due to perceived protection from natural barriers, while others, such as Carlos Cadiente, have evacuated proactively for the first time in decades.
- Avalanche Advisor John Bressette noted that small avalanches can reduce overall hazard by decreasing snow load, but continued heavy rain, strong winds, and warming temperatures are expected to increase avalanche risk.
- The Alaska Department of Transportation reported numerous small avalanches along Thane Road, with potential for extended road closures due to worsening conditions.
