Avalanche evacuation advisory, other warnings remain in effect; high wind watch issued for Tuesday
- Mark Sabbatini
- Jan 11
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 11
‘Active fuel spill’ into creek prompts state officials to urge homeowners to take post-storm precautions; CCFR reminds residents to keep fire hydrants clear after crawlspace fire
By Mark Sabbatini
Juneau Independent
This story will be updated during the day as events warrant.
Warnings about multiple dangers including avalanches, fires and fuel spills were issued Sunday by officials who said that while a break in record-setting storms has arrived, hazards remain that could lead to more damage and closures.
"As Southeast Alaska shifts from heavy snow to rain and warmer temperatures, the risk of home heating oil spills increases significantly," the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation stated in an official Facebook post at about 2 p.m. "DEC responders are currently in the field in Juneau investigating an active fuel spill — and we need your help to prevent more."
The post, after several residents reported spills in the Lemon Creek area, states the two primary hazards are fuel tanks and fuel lines being damaged by snow/ice sliding off roofs, or simply by the snowloads that have already accumulated on them. The post advises how to clear tanks and lines without damaging them, and asks people to report spills immediately at (800) 478-9300 or https://ReportSpills.alaska.gov.
An advisory about keeping fire hydrants clear was issued Sunday by Capital City Fire/Rescue, noting such an effort proved critical during a crawspace fire on Saturday afternoon.
"Our crews did a phenomenal job quickly locating the fire, extinguishing it and confirming there was no extension into the residence," the advisory notes. "Our crews were able to quickly tag the hydrant only because it was clear and accessible."
Thane Road reopened Sunday morning after being closed for two days due to avalanche risks, but an evacuation advisory for people in all known slide paths remains in effect as of 10:30 a.m., according to city and state officials.
"Avalanche hazard remains elevated and additional closures are possible," the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities announced in a post at about 10:30 a.m. on its official Facebook page. "With continued active weather Thane Road could close with limited advance notice. DOT&PF is continuing to monitor the avalanche hazard and will provide updates as necessary."
A similar advisory was issued mid-morning Sunday at the City and Borough of Juneau’s emergency management website.
"CBJ is actively monitoring and assessing avalanche risk for all other slide paths and will provide another update later today," the update notes.
An emergency shelter remains open at Centennial Hall, according to CBJ.
A flood advisory ended at 10 a.m. Sunday. The National Weather Service Juneau, in an update at 9 a.m., stated the storm that affected Southeast Alaska is moving further inland and "a dry slot is following closely behind this front, allowing for a break for parts of the northern panhandle through the morning."
"Another surface low is moving northeast through the Gulf and is beginning to brush the edge of the southern panhandle," the update notes. "This deep plume of moisture will mainly impact the southern and central panhandle through Sunday, though light rain will still reach the northern panhandle Sunday afternoon. Moderate to heavy rain rates are expected to continue through Sunday night, becoming lighter into Monday."
Much of southern Southeast Alaska remains under a flood advisory through Monday morning, according to the weather service.
The long-term forecast for Juneau calls for snow and rain through Saturday, with a high wind watch in effect from Tuesday night to Wednesday morning.
"Confidence has increased in the system bringing very strong wind gusts around 60 mph, but stronger gusts could occur if the low tracks closer to the panhandle," the weather service notes.
• Contact Mark Sabbatini at editor@juneauindependent.com or (907) 957-2306.
