Author: The Tundra Drums Staff

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…

The Phase 1 public comment period for the Cascade Point Uplands Design & Construction project remains open through Jan. 9, project officials said. Community members are encouraged to share feedback during Phase 1, which will help shape early design and construction planning. Officials noted that public engagement will continue throughout the life of the project, with additional comment opportunities planned during Phase 2 as details are developed. Also Read: BLM Opens One-Week Comment Period on ConocoPhillips’ Western Arctic Expansion Plan Project information and the public comment form are available online at bit.ly/cascade-point-ferry-terminal.

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation has authorized emergency marine snow disposal in Gastineau Channel to address the ongoing snow emergency in Juneau and protect public safety. The authorization allows the City and Borough of Juneau and the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities to dispose of snow in marine waters under emergency conditions after land-based disposal sites reached or exceeded capacity. Earlier in the day, CBJ and the Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska issued a joint emergency disaster declaration citing record snowfall and prolonged extreme weather. With major snow hauling underway, officials…

A geotechnical crew will be working at the Cordova Ferry Terminal from Jan. 17 through Jan. 24, officials said. The work follows a drilling effort originally planned for October that was delayed. Crews from PND and ONYX will conduct preliminary geotechnical drilling and soil sample collection over the one-week period. The work is part of early preparation for proposed ferry terminal improvements, specifically to gather data needed for the design of foundation piles. Also Read: Glenn Highway Archaeological Survey Launches Ahead Of Safety Project Officials said there will be no impacts to Alaska Marine Highway System service during the work…

The Division of Forestry & Fire Protection will hold an additional public meeting in Homer to gather community input on the concept of establishing a Kenai Peninsula State Forest. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 6, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Kenai Peninsula College Kachemak Bay Campus, located at 533 East Pioneer Avenue. Officials emphasized that the process is exploratory and informational only, focused on long-term forest management and stewardship while continuing to support public uses such as recreation, hunting, and fishing. There is no current proposal under consideration, and only the Alaska Legislature has the authority to…

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced two beginner ice fishing classes as part of its BOW (Becoming an Outdoors-Woman) Alaska program, scheduled for late winter 2026. The identical Ice Fishing 101 classes will be held Feb. 27, 2026, and March 7, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each session will take place outdoors at an Anchorage-area lake, with the exact location to be announced. Registration opens Feb. 9 for the Feb. 27 class and Feb. 17 for the March 7 class, both at 9 a.m. Participation is limited to 10 people per session, and attendees are asked…