Author: The Tundra Drums Staff
Thane Road reopened to traffic Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, following an avalanche-related closure, according to the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities. Officials reminded drivers not to stop within the avalanche zone and to remain alert while traveling through the area. Also Read: Avalanche Activity Continues Along Thane Road Near Juneau DOT&PF thanked the public for their patience and cooperation during the closure as crews monitored conditions and worked to ensure the roadway could reopen safely.
Alaska students in grades K–12 are reminded to submit entries for the annual subsistence art contest by Feb. 20, 2026, organizers said. The contest, hosted by the U.S. Department of the Interior Office of Subsistence Management, focuses this year on subsistence wildlife. One winning entry will be selected and featured on the cover of the 2026–2028 Subsistence Management Regulations for the Harvest of Wildlife on Federal Public Lands in Alaska, which will be distributed statewide. Also Read: Holiday Aviation Art Contest Returns to Fairbanks International Airport Officials said the contest offers students an opportunity to showcase creativity while demonstrating knowledge…
Welcome to your seismic update from across the state for the week of Jan. 14, brought to you by the Alaska Earthquake Center, where we monitor ground shaking 24-7. Over the past week, we recorded about 700 seismic events, of which a third were aftershocks of December’s Hubbard Glacier Earthquake. Five earthquakes were reported felt, and the largest was a magnitude 4.6 south of Adak on Jan. 8. The Alaska Earthquake Center cannot operate alone; we collaborate with an array of partners in order to advance research, detection, and analysis of earthquake-related hazards across the state. In our landslide program,…
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…