High avalanche risk prompted National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists to issue a rare weather warning in Juneau, Alaska, to activate the wireless emergency alert system on Monday afternoon. It is the first time in 15 years the office has issued such an alert.
The Civil Emergency Message (CEM) was issued as a high avalanche risk continues to impact Juneau. Late last week, the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) issued an avalanche evacuation advisory for hundreds of people in avalanche slide paths when warming temperatures and heavy rain hit the city shortly after 82 inches of snow fell in December. The excessive snowfall was nearly the amount Juneau sees for the entire winter season.
NWS meteorologist Spencer Fielding told Newsweek that the CEM was issued in conjunction with the CBJ and the State of Alaska to amplify the avalanche evacuation advisory.
“The following message is transmitted at the request of the City and Borough of Juneau Manager`s Office. This is an avalanche evacuation advisory. The avalanche evacuation advisory remains in effect for the Behrends slide path,” the CEM said. “The evacuation advisory was lifted for all other known slide paths on Sunday, however, avalanche risk remains elevated. With freezing levels of around 3000 feet and rain continuing, large avalanches remain possible.”
No expiration time or date was provided with the warning. However, Fielding told Newsweek that warm temperatures and rain will persist through the “rest of this week before high pressure moves into this area and things start to settle down.”
Until then, temperatures are expected to remain in the upper 30s and low 40s.
“An emergency shelter is available at Centennial Hall. Emergency response crews are staged to respond in the event of an avalanche,” the CEM said. “Please limit travel in avalanche exposed areas. CBJ and DOT are actively monitoring and assessing avalanche risk for all known slide paths and will provide updates as conditions change. Residents should know their risk and take action. If you are in danger or experiencing an emergency, please call 911.”
Numerous other NWS alerts are also in place for the Juneau area, including a gale warning and a high wind warning. A forecast from NWS Juneau warned of another period of heavy rain expected to begin on Tuesday night, with more than 3 inches possible.
“Another fast moving and wet system is expected for Tuesday into Tuesday night, bringing more moderate to heavy rain and strong winds for northern [southeast Alaska],” a special weather statement issued by NWS Juneau said. “Total rainfall amounts will be around 1.5 to 3.5 inches with gusty winds up to 65 mph possible during the event. The heaviest rainfall rates will occur during the afternoon and evening hours, tapering off during the overnight hours. Strongest wind gusts will follow the heaviest rain, occurring during the evening and overnight hours, then tapering off Wednesday morning. Freezing levels will be rising to 2000 to 5000 ft, leading to additional snowmelt. Any areas that are continuing to see drainage issues or ponding will likely see additional pooling of water. Winds and rain will continue to diminish through the day Wednesday.”
