Flood alert extended until Tuesday; gale-force winds also possible Monday
- Mark Sabbatini
- Sep 21
- 2 min read
Auke Lake Trail closed due to landslides; warnings about slides elsewhere and rivers overflowing banks issued by city and weather officials
By Mark Sabbatini
Juneau Independent
Rain and wind that are intense at times are expected to continue through Tuesday morning in Juneau and much of Southeast Alaska, prompting official warnings about landslides, overflowing rivers and other hazards.
“While the current periods of heavy rainfall will diminish Saturday evening, another band of heavy rain will move through on Sunday," an alert issued by the National Weather Service Juneau on Saturday notes. "This will result in elevated streams and the potential for minor flooding. This will be followed by a strong system on Monday which will bring with it strong winds and more heavy rain. Rainfall totals of between 3-5 inches are expected during this time, with higher amounts possible in isolated areas and at elevation.”
An additional wind alert effective between 1 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday was issued by the weather service about midnight Sunday. The forecast for Southeast Alaska as of about 10 a.m. Sunday states "late Sunday night is where things get interesting as a gale force low begins to move north through the eastern Gulf of Alaska."
"As it moves inland, high wind gusts upwards of 65 mph are possible for parts of the panhandle," the alert states. "That being said, the strength of the winds will be dependent on the track of the low. The track closer to the coast will result in high winds, while a track farther from the coast will lead to weaker winds."
Juneau has already been hit with a series of heavy storms during the past week that prompted cruise lines to change sailing schedules Tuesday and Wednesday, caused a citywide power outage on Wednesday, forced the evacuation of an apartment overnight Wednesday due to a landslide, and resulted in the closure of Auke Lake Trail on Saturday due to two landslides.
"Please stay clear of the trail and out of the lake until weather conditions improve and staff can clear the debris," a notice issued Saturday by the City and Borough of Juneau states. The CBJ alert states "residents are advised to be aware of their surroundings and take precautions as heavy rainfall and wind may increase hazard risk in the Juneau area."
A flood advisory has also been issued for Montana Creek.
"Significant rainfall is increasing water levels around Montana Creek, with water observed in low-lying areas and the potential for flooding on Montana Creek Road and Back Loop Road at the Montana Creek Bridge," the CBJ notice states. "If you see water on the road, turn around. Do not drive on flooded roadways."
• Contact Mark Sabbatini at editor@juneauindependent.com or (907) 957-2306.
