Warnings issued as several crashes reported Saturday after snow begins falling; heaviest periods expected between Sunday morning and afternoon, and on Monday

By Mark Sabbatini

Juneau Independent

Juneau’s first major snowstorm of the season is expected to result in about a foot of snow between Sunday morning and Monday afternoon, with heavier accumulations elsewhere in the region, and additional snow continuing through next week, according to weather and travel advisories.

Snow began accumulating in the Mendenhall Valley and Lemon Creek area on Saturday morning, and resulting in a warning about "rapidly deteriorating road conditions" by the Juneau Police Department shortly after 1 p.m.

"In the past hour JPD has received several reports of vehicles crashing or going into the ditch," the department noted on its official Facebok page. "Vehicles are still flying by as officers are working wrecks. Make it a goal today to not be the next."

A winter storm watch forecasting 11 to 16 inches of snow for Juneau and areas stretching from Tenakee Springs to Glacier Bay, was issued Friday by the National Weather Service Juneau. An update of the alert on Saturday morning predicts "heavier snowfall rates beginning Sunday morning to Sunday afternoon, increasing again on Monday from a second system."

"Moderate to heavy snow may persist into Monday night," the update notes.

An alert issued by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities states Juneau is expected to be at the lower range of the snowfall total.

Temperatures are expected to be in the low to mid 30s, with winds up to 20 miles per hour during most of the storm, according to the weather service. The extended forecast through Friday calls for a chance of snow every day and temperatures gradually declining into the teens.

Higher snowfall is forecast for Haines, Skagway and areas further north, with up to 28 inches of snow and winds to 45 mph forecast between Friday night and Sunday afternoon.

The City and Borough of Juneau, in a post on its Facebook page Friday, reminded residents that garbage cans must be at least five feet from streets to prevent damage during snow removal and that property owners are responsible for removing excess snow in their driveways.

"Per CBJ law, shoveled snow and ice can’t be moved to any sidewalk, street, roadway, or parking area," the reminder notes.

Also, the notice states, CBJ streets department "is training new equipment operators, so winter maintenance may take longer in residential areas." A list of snow removal tips and guidelines for residents was published at CBJ’s website Saturday.

Warnings were also issued to boat owners in Southeast Alaska to monitor snow loads on vessels and ensure bilge pumps are working correctly.

"If a vessel sinks, the owner is responsible for any fuel spills or other pollution that may occur," a post on the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation's Facebook page states. "Staying ahead of snow and water buildup protects your boat and Alaska’s waters."

• Contact Mark Sabbatini at editor@juneauindependent.com or (907) 957-2306.