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THANE ROAD Avalanche Hazard Reduction
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Thane Road Avalanche Hazard Reduction and Closure Notices

November 20, 2023

Please take a moment to read this alert regarding the Thane Road Avalanche Zone. Strong winds combined with heavy snowfall at higher elevations will significantly increase the avalanche hazard above Thane Road the next few days.

Impacts:

  • Increased Hazard: Heavy snowfall and strong winds will increase the avalanche hazard, resulting in the increased likelihood of avalanches reaching Thane Road.
  • Traveler Caution: Please obey posted warning signs along Thane Road. Avoid stopping or parking in designated avalanche zones.

    • Safety Measures:

  • If Thane Road becomes impassable due to avalanche debris, the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) may be unable to clear the road promptly. Road clearing will only occur once the hazard has been sufficiently minimized through mitigation efforts or when the hazard naturally decreases.

    • Your safety is our top priority. Stay informed, exercise caution, and adhere to all safety directives.

    February 27, 2023

    The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) will be conducting Avalanche Hazard Reduction above Thane Road on Tuesday, February 28, between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. (weather dependent). Thane Road will be closed at the avalanche gates during that time. The purpose of this mission is to remove accumulated snow and potentially reduce the risk of larger avalanches that could impact Thane Road. If an avalanche reaches the roadway, it is likely that an extended closure will be necessary to remove debris. For more information, please contact DOT&PF at (907) 465-4503 or email dot.ask@alaska.gov.

    March 25, 2022

    The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) will be conducting Avalanche Hazard Reduction above Thane Road on Saturday, March 26 between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. (weather dependent). If an avalanche reaches the roadway it is likely an extended closure will be necessary to remove the debris. Thane residents should be prepared for extended road closures. For more information, visit the CBJ emergency management site for details about personal and household preparedness: https://beta.juneau.org/emergency/personal-and-household-preparedness

    January 5, 2022

    Thane Residents,

    Thank you for your patience and understanding over the last few days during the extended road closure. Conditions were such that avalanche danger remained high but weather was not conducive to conduct avalanche hazard reduction.

    Please be aware that additional extended road closures are possible in the near future. The National Weather Service in Juneau is predicting another major winter storm to bring heavy snowfall and rapidly warming temperatures this weekend. Large natural avalanches are often a result of heavy snowfall and rapid warming. If access along Thane Road is blocked it is unlikely DOT&PF will be able to safely remove the avalanche debris until the hazard can be minimized from mitigation work or once the hazard has decreased naturally.

    It is advisable to have a plan to care for yourself and possibly your neighbors during extended road closures. Consider procuring extra supplies should an extended road closure be necessary this weekend. Consider having your home heating fuel filled and if you have a generator consider having additional fuel on hand in the event of a power outage. For more information on on personal and household preparedness visit the City and Borough of Juneau website and the Alaska Electric Light and Power website.

    December 31, 2021

    ALERT: High winds combined with heavy snowfall at higher elevations will cause the avalanche hazard above Thane Road to rapidly increase this weekend (December 31, 2021-January 2, 2022). The heavy snowfall and strong winds will lead to an increased possibility of an avalanche reaching Thane Road. DOT&PF reminds residents to obey posted warning signs on Thane Road - do not stop or park in the avalanche zone. If access along Thane Road is blocked, it is unlikely DOT&PF will be able to safely remove the avalanche debris until the hazard can be minimized from mitigation work or once the hazard has decreased naturally.

    Here’s how DOT&PF will typically share information out to the Thane residents about potential road closures:

    1. Early notification typically uses the orange avalanche control signs on Thane Road.
      • If DOT&PF is planning an avalanche hazard reduction mission, we will try to have those signs updated as soon as we anticipate needing a mission.
      • So, the signs could be updated a day or two (as conditions allow) in advance of a mission.  
         
    2. The second notification goes out via a GovDelivery alert within 24 hours of a potential road closure.
      • Once the GovDelivery alert is sent, it is highly likely that a road closure/hazard reduction mission will occur.

    By using the warning signs, DOT&PF can give Thane residents a heads up that a mission will likely occur. Once the GovDelivery alert is sent, a mission is planned and residents should expect a road closure.

    Because the avalanche hazard mitigation work depend on changing snow conditions and weather, it’s possible that DOT&PF uses the signs or both signs and alerts, then calls off the mission.

    DOT&PF recommends that all Thane residents sign up for GovDelivery alerts and share sign up info widely.

    To subscribe to texts or emails about Thane Road avalanche hazard reduction work (including road closure notices):

    Please contact DOT&PF with questions:

    The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 237 airports, 10 ferries serving 35 communities, over 5,600 miles of highway and 776 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to "Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure."