Author: The Tundra Drums Staff
A small commuter plane carrying four people landed short of the runway at Merrill Field Airport Friday afternoon, but no injuries were reported, the National Transportation Safety Board confirmed. The Beechcraft King Air, flying from Soldotna Municipal Airport to Anchorage, was carrying two pilots and two passengers when it landed just short of runway 16, the NTSB spokesperson said. The aircraft’s nose gear collapsed during the landing, causing it to slide onto the runway surface. The plane is registered to an address in Soldotna associated with the Missionary Aviation Repair Center, a nonprofit organization that supports aviation operations in remote…
The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities announced it will conduct aerial mapping along the Haines Highway from mileposts 11 to 21 this weekend, Jan. 17–18, following unprecedented snowfall and a large avalanche cycle in the region. Officials said the mission is for data collection only, not avalanche mitigation. A helicopter equipped with LiDAR (laser imaging) will survey terrain to help avalanche specialists analyze recent slide activity. Residents may see the aircraft flying grid-like patterns at lower altitudes as it scans slopes. DOT&PF emphasized that the survey will not require road closures or traffic holds. The goal is to…
A widely shared Instagram reel has been circulating paying tribute to Scarface, the famed lion from Masai Mara National Reserve, who was beloved by wildlife enthusiasts around the world. According to social media posts, Scarface, known for his distinctive facial scar and longevity in the wild, died of natural causes at about 13 or 14 years old. Scarface became an iconic symbol of strength and survival in Kenya’s wildlife community, frequently featured in documentaries, photographs, and visitor footage over the years. The tribute reel highlights his legacy and the impact he had on conservation storytelling. Also Read: Anchorage Animal Care…
State transportation officials have confirmed that a photo circulating online showing a large avalanche blocking the Richardson Highway near Thompson Pass is not current. According to Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, the image dates back to 2014 and is from an event known as “Damalanche.” The photo does not reflect present road conditions. Rob Mattson of the DOT&PF Thompson Pass crew said he traveled through the pass approximately 30 minutes prior to the update and confirmed the roadway was clear and open. Also Read: Southcoast Update: Active Weather Continues to Affect Roads and Avalanche Conditions Officials are reminding…
Schools in Bethel will be closed on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, according to the Lower Kuskokwim School District. District officials said all classes, school activities, and related programs will not be held for the day. Families, students, and staff are encouraged to plan accordingly and ensure students remain safe during the closure. Also Read: Juneau School District Schools Closed Monday, Jan. 5 The district advised parents and guardians to continue monitoring official LKSD communication channels for any updates regarding reopening plans or schedule changes. Additional information will be shared if conditions change or further closures are required.
An Alaska-based dive rescue organization announced it has received a donation of an unserviceable aluminum aircraft frame from Sutton Aircraft Salvage to support training operations. While thanking the donor, the group said it is still seeking additional assistance to support both training and mission response needs across the state. For training purposes, the organization is looking for an unserviceable or older aluminum boat, with or without a cabin, no longer than 24 feet, and without a motor. For mission response, the group is seeking a building or land available through a long-term lease or donation. The site must allow 24-hour…
Active weather continues to impact roads and avalanche conditions across Southeast Alaska, according to the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities. In Juneau, crews are pushing back snow berms and widening roads. Officials said lower-volume roads remain icy, with sanding ongoing as needed. Minor ponding has been reported on some roadways and is being addressed as conditions arise. Drivers are urged to use caution, as road conditions can change rapidly. Thane Road remained open Tuesday morning, though avalanche hazard remains elevated. DOT&PF warned that additional closures are possible, potentially with limited advance notice, as active weather continues. Avalanche hazard…
State workplace safety officials are reminding employers that cold stress can pose serious risks indoors, particularly in workplaces with limited heating or exposure to outside air, such as drive-through stations. The Alaska Occupational Safety and Health warned that inadequate indoor heat can increase the risk of hypothermia and frostbite, even when work is performed inside buildings. Youth workers were identified as especially vulnerable to cold stress due to limited experience and prolonged exposure. Employers are encouraged to ensure indoor workspaces are properly heated, provide warm clothing, offer training on cold stress, and schedule frequent breaks in heated areas. For drive-through…
The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities has issued a travel advisory for the Haines Highway from milepost 20 to the Canadian border due to extremely hazardous conditions. Officials said the highway is experiencing rain-on-ice conditions, making travel very difficult. Avalanche hazards are also present along this stretch of roadway. DOT&PF reported that the prolonged storm, which began in December, has impacted crews and equipment, with some equipment currently out of service. One sander was operating on the Haines Highway today while mechanics work to complete repairs. Crews are actively working on solutions to improve conditions, but travel is…
Sections of the Alaska Highway reopened Wednesday morning, Jan. 14, after closures caused by freezing rain and hazardous road conditions. As of 11:30 a.m., the highway reopened from kilometre 1243 to 1342, between Jakes Corner and Teslin, though a travel advisory remains in effect due to icy surfaces. Officials said the highway remains closed beyond Teslin to Watson Lake, where crews continue sanding, plowing, and ice blading operations. A separate travel advisory is still in place from kilometre 967 to 980, between Watson Lake and the Yukon–B.C. border. Also Read: Icy Road Conditions Reported in Sitka as DOT&PF Equipment Is…
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…