The City & Borough of Juneau issued an evacuation advisory for residents in known slide paths downtown and along Thane Road following multiple small avalanches.
Two small avalanches occurred on Mount Juneau above the Behrends neighborhood. Additional avalanches were observed above the Flume Trail.
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities confirmed numerous small avalanches along Thane Road. The department anticipates further avalanches due to forecasts of continued heavy rainfall, strong winds, and warming temperatures. The closure of Thane Road may extend for several days.
During a press conference, John Bressette, the City & Borough of Juneau's Avalanche Advisor, stated that multiple small avalanches can decrease the overall hazard by reducing the amount of snow available for larger slides.
Some residents in the Behrends neighborhood have evacuated to private residences or Centennial Hall, a shelter established by the city and the American Red Cross.
Resident Ezra Strong stated he was not heeding the advisory, citing perceived protection from a rock wall and previous observations of slides not reaching his residence as reasons. Carlos Cadiente, a resident within the Behrends slide path, evacuated his residence, stating this was his first time heeding such an advisory in decades due to current weather conditions.
Britt Tonnessen, community disaster program manager for the Red Cross of Alaska in Southeast, confirmed the Red Cross established an emergency shelter at Centennial Hall in coordination with the city. Tonnessen stated the organization had been preparing for an evacuation for the past week. She noted that the shelter is available to individuals from avalanche zones and those concerned about heavy roof loads. The shelter is prepared to accommodate 150 people, with approximately 30 individuals having signed in by early afternoon.
The forecast indicates worsening avalanche, weather, and road conditions.