Author: The Tundra Drums Staff

The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities has ordered the immediate closure of the Haines Highway from Milepost 4 to Milepost 21 and Lutak Road beyond the Haines Ferry Terminal due to avalanche risk and deteriorating weather conditions. Officials said Mileposts 1–4 on the Haines Highway will remain open, but travel is not advised in the affected areas. The avalanche hazard is expected to increase overnight and through tomorrow. Also Read: Thane Road Avalanche Risk Elevated as Winter Storm Conditions Develop DOT&PF will continue monitoring conditions and provide updates through 511.alaska.gov and Nixle alerts.

The City and Borough of Juneau is reminding residents to move vehicles before 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, to allow overnight snow removal operations to proceed safely. CBJ crews and contractors will begin clearing designated streets starting at 10 p.m. Vehicles left on affected roads or where yellow “No Parking” signs are posted must be moved so equipment can access the area. Streets scheduled for snow removal include: Downtown Douglas Officials are asking drivers to avoid traveling through active snow removal areas, noting that vehicle traffic creates hazardous conditions for the public and crews and slows operations. Also Read: Extreme…

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day was marked at Fairbanks International Airport, recognizing the service of the FAI Police & Fire Department. Airport officials highlighted the department’s role in patrols, emergency response, assisting travelers, and supporting the Fairbanks community. The team’s K-9 officer, Yogi, was also recognized for contributions to airport safety. Also Read: FBI Warns Alaskans of Scam Calls Impersonating Law Enforcement and Government Officials Officials thanked the department’s law enforcement personnel for their continued professionalism and commitment to keeping the airport safe around the clock.

The City and Borough of Juneau announced that CBJ facilities will remain closed through the weekend of Jan. 10–11 due to ongoing hazardous road and weather conditions. Officials urged residents to stay off the roads to protect public safety and allow snow removal and street maintenance crews to work safely and efficiently. Residents are also advised to limit travel in known avalanche exposure areas. Facilities closed during the weekend include all Juneau Public Libraries locations and the Juneau-Douglas City Museum. All Juneau Parks & Recreation facilities will also be closed, including the Dimond Park Field House, Dimond Park Aquatic Center,…

The Juneau Public Libraries have reopened their Valley and Downtown branches following a temporary weather-related disruption. Library officials said the Douglas Public Library remains closed after a water leak, but confirmed that the collection was not damaged. Staff expect the Douglas branch to reopen within the next week, pending completion of cleanup and repairs. In the meantime, Douglas patrons are encouraged to use digital library resources or visit another Juneau library location if they are able to travel safely. Also Read: JPD Non-Emergency Services Closed Today Due to Weather Updates will continue to be shared as work progresses on reopening…

An Avalanche Warning has been issued through the National Weather Service, effective from 6 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, through 6 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 11. Forecasters warn of very dangerous avalanche conditions, citing heavy snowfall, strong winds, and low-elevation rain. Both natural and human-triggered avalanches are very likely. Avalanches are expected to fail on weak layers buried 1.5 to 3 feet deep and may run long distances into valley bottoms. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Also Read: Avalanche Activity Continues Along Thane Road Near Juneau Officials also cautioned about roof avalanches, as the storm alternates between wet snow and…

The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities reported that the Road to Tanana is open and passable for vehicular traffic following an inspection and clearing effort. DOT&PF staff confirmed the roadway has been cleared to the Yukon River landing. While some pull-offs remain to be cleared, officials said the main travel route is open. Also Read: Emmonak Teen Dies After Snowmachine Enters Open Water on Yukon River Crews will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates through 511.alaska.gov as improvements continue.

State transportation officials are warning residents along Thane Road after multiple large avalanches were detected following the road’s closure. According to the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, avalanche activity has been monitored using an infrasound detection system, which identified numerous slides in the area. The most recent avalanche occurred shortly before 3:15 p.m., running over the diversion structure and stopping close to the highway. DOT&PF said avalanche activity is expected to continue through the night and into the weekend. Crews will continue monitoring conditions and will provide updates through 511.alaska.gov and Nixle alerts. Also Read: Special Avalanche Statement…

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The Bethel Assistance Hub will reopen Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, weather permitting, to assist Alaskans who suffered losses in areas affected by the severe storms, flooding, and remnants of Typhoon Halong in the state of Alaska, Oct. 8-13, 2025. The deadline to apply for state and FEMA Individual Assistance is Feb. 20, 2026. At the hub, FEMA staff will assist survivors with registering for disaster assistance, answering questions, and uploading required documentation. The center is open 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Yup’ik interpreters are available. Location AVCP Tugkar Building 570 3rd Ave. Bethel, AK 99559 Other…

Here is your weekly seismic update from the Alaska Earthquake Center for the week of January 7, 2026, where earthquake activity is monitored 24 hours a day. This Week’s Earthquake Activity Over the past week, about 1,100 earthquakes were recorded across Alaska. Eight of these were felt by residents.Around 600 earthquakes were aftershocks from the magnitude 7.0 Hubbard Glacier earthquake that struck Southeast Alaska on December 6. The largest earthquake this week was a magnitude 5.7 aftershock that occurred on New Year’s Eve. Alaska’s Earthquakes in 2025 In total, Alaska recorded 31,096 earthquakes in 2025. Activity increased toward the end…

The Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center has issued a Special Avalanche Statement warning of dangerous avalanche conditions in the backcountry. Forecasters say human-triggered avalanches are likely under current conditions. The advisory applies to Chugach State Park areas from the South Fork of Eagle River to Indian Creek, including Upper Rabbit Creek, the Glen Alps Recreation Area, and backcountry terrain near Arctic Valley. Also Read: Crews Working to Reopen Klondike Highway After Avalanches Block Roadway Officials emphasized that the bulletin does not apply to operating ski areas. Backcountry users are urged to use extreme caution and consult the latest forecasts…

The South Harbor Boat Launch Ramp in Seward continues to support safer and more efficient boat launching following a full renovation completed in 2019, city officials said. Originally built after the 1964 earthquake, the launch ramp went decades without major upgrades before the site overhaul. The improvements were designed to reduce congestion, improve efficiency, and enhance safety for boaters using South Harbor. Today, the facility features four concrete plank launch lanes and two ADA-accessible boarding floats, providing improved access for a wide range of users. The project was completed through a partnership involving the City of Seward, the Alaska Department…