Avalanche closes highway to Valdez

ANCHORAGE - An avalanche has closed the Richardson Highway leading into Valdez.

The highway was closed Monday morning between Mile 19 and Mile 45.

The avalanche was about a mile north of the Tsina River Bridge, at Mile 38. Valdez police say no vehicles were trapped.

Officials said the avalanche is about 100 feet wide and up to 15 feet deep.

Crews are removing snow, but state highway officials said the road could remain closed until late Monday or this morning.