Winter Storm Wreaks Havoc on Juneau’s Harbor as Avalanche Threats Loom
Juneau, Alaska is currently facing a severe winter crisis as extreme weather conditions have caused multiple vessels to sink in the harbor and raised the threat of potentially dangerous avalanches. This December has proven to be unusually harsh, with snowfall totals far exceeding typical seasonal averages, creating a perfect storm of challenges for local authorities and boat owners. The City and Borough of Juneau Docks and Harbors Department reports that eight vessels have already been lost, with three large ships completely sinking in a single night. Harbor crews are working around the clock, but resources are quickly being depleted as the severe weather continues its assault on the community. “Our crews are running around the clock, using every de-watering pump available, and we are now rapidly running out of resources as conditions persist,” stated Juneau Harbors through social media channels, highlighting the urgency of the situation as they battle to prevent further losses.
The threat extends beyond the harbor as avalanche concerns have prompted immediate action from the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. Officials have closed Thane Road at the avalanche gates while conducting hazard reduction work to minimize the risk of larger, more dangerous avalanches impacting the area. This preventative measure is crucial given the high avalanche hazard currently present, though authorities warn that if avalanche debris reaches the roadway despite these efforts, an extended closure may become necessary. The situation underscores the interconnected challenges facing Juneau residents—from protecting marine assets to ensuring safe transportation routes—as the community grapples with the multi-faceted impact of this unprecedented winter weather event.
The record-breaking snowfall is at the heart of these cascading problems. While Juneau typically receives between 40 and 50 inches of snow during December, this season has shattered previous records with a staggering 82 inches accumulated so far. The Arctic District of the US Coast Guard has issued warnings about the dangers this presents to vessels, explaining that heavy snow accumulation can quickly reduce stability and ultimately cause boats to sink, potentially resulting in significant property damage and environmental pollution. The weight of the snow creates a dangerous situation that requires vigilance and proactive measures from boat owners and harbor authorities alike.
In response to this crisis, the Juneau Docks and Harbors Department has implemented several emergency measures to address the immediate challenges. They’re working to bring back seasonal summer staff ahead of schedule and have created short-term emergency positions specifically focused on snow removal efforts. These steps highlight the severity of the situation and the need for all hands on deck to protect the harbor’s infrastructure and the vessels it shelters. Officials are also reaching out to vessel owners, reminding them that snow removal from finger floats is their responsibility and cautioning against shoveling snow onto floats, which could exacerbate already dangerous conditions.
The community has been called upon to assist in monitoring the situation, with authorities requesting that anyone who spots a vessel at risk of sinking in any City and Borough of Juneau harbor contact the Harbor Office immediately at 907-586-5255. This collaborative approach recognizes that the scope of the emergency exceeds the capacity of harbor staff alone, especially as resources continue to be stretched thin by ongoing weather challenges. The community’s vigilance could prove crucial in preventing further losses as harbor crews work tirelessly to address the most critical situations first.
As Juneau continues to weather this exceptional winter storm, the situation serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of community resilience in the face of extreme events. The combined threats of sinking vessels and potential avalanches have created a complex emergency requiring coordination between multiple agencies and community members. While immediate efforts focus on preventing further damage and ensuring public safety, the unprecedented snowfall totals raise questions about climate patterns and whether similar extreme winter events might become more common in the future. For now, Juneau residents, boat owners, and local authorities remain locked in a challenging battle against the elements, hoping for a respite from the snow that would allow recovery efforts to gain momentum.
