CBJ Emergency Programs Provides Avalanche Risk and Community Readiness Update

The City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) is monitoring current avalanche conditions in close coordination with qualified avalanche professionals and agency partners, including Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (Alaska DOT&PF) and National Weather Service Juneau (NWS Juneau).

The observations as of December 30, 2025 from Alaska DOT&PF are listed below. However, conditions can change quickly. Residents are encouraged to monitor their avalanche risk and sign up for emergency alerts at juneau.gov.

Current Observations (ADOT&PF):

Heavy snowfall, strong wind and warming at higher elevations has led to increased avalanche hazard. While no widespread avalanche activity has been observed, heavy snowfall is forecasted to continue over the next several days, and avalanche professionals are continuing to monitor conditions.

How do I monitor avalanche risk in my area?

Avalanche risk is a serious and ongoing concern in Juneau. Portions of our community are located beneath known avalanche paths, and conditions can change rapidly based on weather, snowpack, and terrain. Avalanches can occur naturally or be triggered by additional loading, warming, human activity or other changes, even outside of major storm cycles.

Residents can monitor the current avalanche advisory levels at bit.ly/CBJavalanche.

How do I stay up-to-date on urban avalanche conditions in Juneau?

CBJ will share updates and additional information via our juneau.gov and emergency alerts if current conditions indicate increased risk to people, homes, or critical infrastructure. Residents can sign up for emergency alerts at bit.ly/CBJAlerts. Alaska DOT&PF will provide updates at 511.alaska.gov.

Residents in or near avalanche hazard areas should remain alert to changing conditions, follow road closures and avalanche control operations, and be prepared to adjust plans quickly. If conditions escalate, CBJ will communicate via emergency alerts about protective actions and next steps.

More about CBJ avalanche advisories

In previous years, CBJ issued avalanche forecasts designed mainly for people recreating in steep terrain. Beginning this season, CBJ is focusing its communications on preparing and notifying the community about avalanche risks. Juneau residents should expect to hear from CBJ about when people should limit travel, avoid certain areas, or be prepared to leave their homes.

Similar to CBJ's approach to Glacial Lake Outburst Flood communications, the Emergency Programs division is working in close coordination with partners who are specifically qualified to assess and forecast avalanche hazards. CBJ's role is to integrate that expert information, communicate risk in a clear and consistent way, and help residents understand how to prepare and respond. You can find all of this information and more at juneau.org/emergency/current-advisory

For more information, contact [email protected].