Juneau Residents Face Increased Risk of Avalanches Amidst Atmospheric River Event.
The City and Borough of Juneau has issued an evacuation advisory for residents living near avalanche slide paths as a powerful atmospheric river is set to hit the area this weekend. The warning comes after extreme snowfall buried the Alaskan capital last month, with nearly 7 feet of snow falling in just one month - more than the city typically sees throughout its entire winter.
The advisory was issued due to the increased risk of avalanches as warmer temperatures and several inches of rain are expected at high elevations. Officials say that while evacuation is not yet necessary, residents living in avalanche-exposed areas should limit their travel and be prepared for emergency response crews to respond quickly in case of an avalanche.
Residents are bracing themselves for flooding as the snow is set to melt, putting pressure on storm drains and potentially leading to ponding of rain and snowmelt. The National Weather Service has issued several warnings and alerts, predicting heavy precipitation starting as snow but transitioning to rain by Friday.
According to a map accessible on the CBJ website, hundreds of residents live within high avalanche-risk areas, with the risk of major avalanches heightened now due to regular avalanche activity. Juneau Deputy City Manager Robert Barr warned that the number of residents at risk is "in the hundreds" and expressed concern about the potential for regular avalanche activity.
The evacuation advisory was described as a precautionary measure by officials, who stress that it is not made lightly. Emergency shelter will be available at Centennial Hall starting from 12 pm on Friday, while Thane Road closed early due to high avalanche risk.
The City and Borough of Juneau has issued an evacuation advisory for residents living near avalanche slide paths as a powerful atmospheric river is set to hit the area this weekend. The warning comes after extreme snowfall buried the Alaskan capital last month, with nearly 7 feet of snow falling in just one month - more than the city typically sees throughout its entire winter.
The advisory was issued due to the increased risk of avalanches as warmer temperatures and several inches of rain are expected at high elevations. Officials say that while evacuation is not yet necessary, residents living in avalanche-exposed areas should limit their travel and be prepared for emergency response crews to respond quickly in case of an avalanche.
Residents are bracing themselves for flooding as the snow is set to melt, putting pressure on storm drains and potentially leading to ponding of rain and snowmelt. The National Weather Service has issued several warnings and alerts, predicting heavy precipitation starting as snow but transitioning to rain by Friday.
According to a map accessible on the CBJ website, hundreds of residents live within high avalanche-risk areas, with the risk of major avalanches heightened now due to regular avalanche activity. Juneau Deputy City Manager Robert Barr warned that the number of residents at risk is "in the hundreds" and expressed concern about the potential for regular avalanche activity.
The evacuation advisory was described as a precautionary measure by officials, who stress that it is not made lightly. Emergency shelter will be available at Centennial Hall starting from 12 pm on Friday, while Thane Road closed early due to high avalanche risk.
like literally the whole city is on alert now i hope everyone stays safe 
the snow and rain combo is super sketchy i feel bad for those residents who have to deal with all this they should def take that evacuation advisory seriously 
lets send some good vibes their way 
And the flooding is gonna be a whole other mess... I imagine it's like nothing anyone has ever experienced before. I mean, 7 feet of snow in one month is wild! I hope everyone stays safe and that the emergency crew can respond quickly if anything happens. I don't think any government agency could prepare for this kind of situation, you know? It's just nature being its usual dramatic self... 
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Ugh this sounds super sketchy for Juneau residents! I mean, they're expecting hundreds of people to evacuate just because there's a chance of avalanches? It's not like it's going to happen tomorrow or anything 
. And have you seen those snowfall numbers? 7 feet in one month?! That's insane 
. I'm no expert, but isn't the whole point of living near mountains to enjoy the winter sports and scenery? Now they're just sitting ducks waiting for the government to tell them what to do 
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. And what's with all these evacuation advisories? Can't they just issue a "be careful" warning instead of freaking everyone out 
. This atmospheric river event is super scary for Juneau residents, especially those who live near avalanche slide paths. 7 feet of snow in one month? That's insane! It's like something out of a snowboarder's dream, but also super treacherous.
But at the same time, I get it - Mother Nature's not playing by our rules, you know?
Let's just hope the emergency shelter at Centennial Hall is cozy and ready to go. Stay warm (or dry) Juneau! 
what's the source for this "hundreds" of residents living in avalanche-exposed areas? I need some solid numbers and maps to back it up... seems like a pretty big deal if that many people are at risk, right? Also, have there been any official statements or data on how much snowmelt is expected, and what's the timeline for when we can expect flooding to start? 
. 7 feet of snow in one month is crazy talk, and now they've got the added risk of avalanches and flooding to deal with 
️. I mean, I get it, evacuation is a precautionary measure and all that, but still... hundreds of people at risk? It's a lot to handle 
, can you imagine living in Juneau during an atmospheric river event? 
The snow is already a huge problem and now it's gonna melt and flood everywhere?! 
And don't even get me started on Thane Road being closed - that's just a nightmare for people who need to travel. 
Like, what about those who have work or stuff they gotta do?! 
I'm worried about these Juneau residents... their lives are literally being put on hold by this weather event. 7 feet of snow in a month is insane! 
anyway i guess its good that they're being cautious and stuff... but at the same time its a bummer for all those people who have to deal with this kinda thing. im not gonna lie though, my grandma lives in juneau and shes super prepared for this kinda thing lol she's got her emergency kit and everything 
I'm totally stoked (not literally) about the increased awareness around avalanches in Juneau! It's crazy to think that a month of extreme snowfall has buried the city and now we're facing an atmospheric river event that could bring some serious flooding. The evacuation advisory is definitely not something to take lightly, especially considering there are hundreds of residents living in high-risk areas 
? and flooding is just the cherry on top rn... how many ppl have to lose their homes cuz of nature's wrath?!