STORM UPDATE: Airport runway shutdown, power outage past Amalga Harbor; avalanche warning issued
- Mark Sabbatini
- Dec 30, 2025
- 5 min read
Many businesses shut or closing early Tuesday, including IGA supermarkets at 6p; Thane Road closing at 8p; numerous boats and shelters swamped in harbors
By Mark Sabbatini and Jasz Garrett
Juneau Independent
This is a developing story.
Update 8:30 p.m. Tuesday: The closure of the runway at Juneau International Airport for an estimated six hours and a power outage beyond unplowed roads past Amalga Harbor are among the multitude of struggles being reported by agencies and individuals due to a record snowstorm that has brought much of everyday life to a halt.
Unplowed streets throughout town, boats sinking in harbors, stores closing early or not opening at all, and neighborhoods being advised to prepare for evacuation orders due to avalanche risk were among the developments Tuesday afternoon and evening. A winter storm warning remains in effect for Juneau until noon on Wednesday.
The runway at the airport is being shut down for an estimated six hours — longer than the original estimate of two, but not the 24 hours that have been "reported" on social media, according to Airport Manager Andres Delgado in a Facebook post shortly before 6 p.m. Flight delays and some cancellations are occurring.
"We have a fleet of unique vehicles that have been running nonstop since Saturday," he wrote. "The broom tufts are worn out and need replacing; and vehicles have a tendency to break down after being driven hard for 100+ hours. Some could use an oil change, and others require a closer inspection before being sent back out to fight the snow."
"Most of the vehicle access gates are frozen over and must be dug out or torched to melt the ice off. Other access roads have to be dug out. Areas in front of the terminal must be tidied up as well."
More than five feet of snow has fallen out the road north of Juneau, according to Alaska Electric Light and Power, in a Facebook post shortly after 5 p.m. reporting the power outage to customers past Amalga Harbor Road.
"The roads haven't been plowed past Tee Harbor so it might take the crew a while to get out there," the post notes.
According to Erann Kalwara, public safety manager for the Juneau Police Department, 11 vehicles were reported stuck in the snow as of 1:15 p.m. Tuesday. There was one collision involving two cars. No injuries have been reported. At around 2 p.m., JPD received a call reporting a truck stuck in the median in the area of McNugget Intersection on Egan Drive.
"An officer responded and blocked traffic while good Samaritans pulled the truck out. The driver was not injured," Kalwara said.
She noted visibility is drastically reduced due to large snow piles in many areas. In many parts of town, the snow berms and snow buildup are difficult to successfully traverse without good tires, high clearance off the roadway, and four-wheel drive.
"We've even seen all-wheel drive getting stuck today," Kalwara said. "Plows, graders and other equipment, both government and privately operated, are busy trying to keep up with the snow accumulation. Staying off the road helps the equipment operators be more efficient and move more quickly. I recommend that people stay off the roadways until driving conditions improve. If you must drive, ensure your vehicle is clear of snow, all lights are visible, you and all passengers wear seatbelts and you proceed with extreme caution."
The City and Borough of Juneau, in a Facebook post at about 8 p.m., stated it planned to continue clearing streets through the night based on a winter maintenance priority map.
"CBJ has contracted with several private plow companies to help with moving snow," the post notes. "This allows the CBJ crews to focus on the high priority roads, hills and potentially hazardous areas as well as the lower priority side streets."
Bartlett Regional Hospital, which has halted its non-emergency services Monday and Tuesday, stated Tuesday evening it plans to resume full services on Wednesday.
"If plans for resuming operations need to change, we will notify patients directly by phone and send public updates in advance of outpatient locations opening," the hospital stated in an online announcement.
Original story (4 p.m. Tuesday): Impacts of a historic multiday snowstorm continued throughout Juneau on Tuesday, with the city closing its offices and facilities, an avalanche advisory issued for Thane Road and Behrends Avenue, and downed trees and power lines contributing to traffic snarls.
More than four feet of snow has fallen in some parts of Juneau since early Saturday morning, and an updated National Weather Service forecast at 1:25 p.m. Tuesday states up to 10 more inches of snow is expected by Wednesday morning.
The City and Borough of Juneau, which planned to open its offices at noon on Tuesday, announced shortly beforehand all offices and facilities would remain closed for the remainder of the day. The State of Alaska also closed its offices on Tuesday.
Businesses throughout town were also closed or are closing early today, including both Foodland and Super Bear IGA supermarkets at 6 p.m.
Travel warnings were issued by numerous agencies urging people to stay off roads except for urgent purposes. City and other workers responded to numerous downed trees or branches, power lines, and other obstacles impeding traffic during the day.
The avalanche advisory issued at about 3:30 p.m. by CBJ, which provided preparation tips while noting "Behrends Ave and Thane Rd are at elevated risk. Residents should prepare to evacuate if conditions worsen."
Thane Road will be closed at the avalanche gates at 8 p.m. Tuesday due to the risk, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities announced in a Facebook post shortly after 2:30 p.m.
"The avalanche hazard is expected to remain high over the next few days," the post notes, adding a reassessment will occur at 8 a.m. Wednesday. "If a natural avalanche reaches the roadway, DOT&PF may not be able to safely remove avalanche debris until the hazard can be minimized through mitigation work or once conditions decrease naturally. Thane residents should be prepared for extended road closures."
Juneau’s harbors department also issued an urgent alert for owners of boats and shelters due to heavy snowfall submerging many of them.
A winter storm warning is in effect until noon Wednesday, according to NWS Juneau. The extended forecast calls for more snow this weekend and possibly beyond.
• Contact Mark Sabbatini at editor@juneauindependent.com or (907) 957-2306.
