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 collect high-resolution data to better understand snowpack conditions and improve long-term safety along the corridor near Haines.
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Officials noted that any photos associated with the announcement are from previous avalanche debris cleanup along the highway, not from current conditions.
