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Update: Thane Road reopens a day after eight avalanches observed Tuesday
- Jasz Garrett
- Mar 25
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 26
The increased avalanche hazard follows Juneau's record-setting winter
By Jasz Garrett
Juneau Independent
Update 3/26/2026: Thane Road reopened at 5 p.m. Wednesday, but is expected to be closed again soon for avalanche mitigation work, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities announced Wednesday evening.
"DOT&PF will be conducting avalanche hazard reduction above Thane Road in the coming days as conditions allow," a post on the department’s Facebook site notes. "We will give as much advance notice as possible. We understand these closures are inconvenient, but they are for the safety of the roadway and traveling public."
Original story 3/25/2026: 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.
