Thane Road remains closed after eight avalanches observed Tuesday

The increased avalanche hazard follows Juneau's record-setting winter

A screenshot from a video from Thane Road shows a natural avalanche on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The powder cloud reached tidewater, but debris did not reach the roadway. (Department of Transportation and Public Facilities)

By Jasz Garrett

Juneau Independent

Thane Road remains closed as of Wednesday due to high avalanche hazard, with the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities scheduled to reevaluate the closure at 8 p.m.

According to an update from DOT at 10 a.m. Wednesday, ridgetop winds have averaged 50 miles per hour, with gusts up to 95 miles per hour. The extreme winds are rapidly transporting snow into slide paths, increasing the likelihood of natural avalanches. On Tuesday, DOT observed eight natural avalanches between Thane and Mount Juneau.

Residents and travelers are urged to respect the closure and not to enter the avalanche zone. Thane Road has been closed since 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, with residents advised to stock up on supplies in advance in the case of a multi-day closure.

"Historically, some of the destructive avalanches in this area have occurred several days into a major wind event, similar to the conditions we are currently experiencing," the DOT notice states.

The increased avalanche hazard follows a historic winter for Juneau with a record 201.2" of snowfall recorded at the Juneau International Airport.

• Contact Jasz Garrett at jasz@juneauindependent.com or (907) 723-9356.