Salmon Creek Dam in August 2013. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Salmon Creek Dam in August 2013. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

AEL&P testing Salmon Creek siren Thursday

Alarm will sound as part of regular safety testing

If you hear a siren sounding from Salmon Creek this Thursday, don’t worry. It’s only a test.

Alaska Electric Light & Power (AEL&P) is testing the Salmon Creek emergency evacuation sirens from 11-11:30 a.m. Thursday. The test is being done in conjunction with the City and Borough of Juneau Emergency Programs.

Tests like this ensure that the siren is loud enough to alert people and businesses in case of the Salmon Creek Dam failing (which has never happened). The Salmon Creek Dam, a concrete arch dam built in 1914, was constructed to provide water for hydroelectric power generation. The reservoir also provides drinking water to Juneau.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulates the dam, which is about three miles up the Salmon Creek valley. FERC personnel inspect the dam annually, and AEL&P monitors the dam around the clock. The power company also sends out crews to inspect the dam every month.

FERC also requires an in-depth inspection and investigation by a qualified independent engineer every five years. After any earthquake felt in the Juneau area, engineers from AEL&P perform an inspection as soon as possible.

AEL&P has an Emergency Action Plan for the dam in case it fails, which people can learn more about by calling AEL&P’s Consumer Affairs Department at 780-2222. People can also learn more by calling CBJ Emergency Programs at 586-0371.

More in News

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Aurora forecast through the week of Feb. 1

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Friday, Feb. 14, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Juneau School District Superintendent Frank Hauser testifies in support of a Base Student Allocation increase on Jan. 29, 2025, at the Alaska State Capitol. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire file photo)
Superintendent suggests Juneau school board assume a $400 BSA increase in district’s budget

Some board members hesitant to depart from no-increase policy, express concern about Trump’s actions.

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before boarding Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. President Trump shared a quotation on social media, making it clear it was one he wanted people to absorb: “He who saves his Country does not violate any Law.” (Al Drago/The New York Times)
Trump: ‘He who saves his Country does not violate any Law’

Quote sometimes attributed to Napoleon posted on White House’s official X account.

Members of the Alaska State Employees Association and AFSCME Local 52 holds a protest on the steps of the Alaska State Capitol on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Alaska state employees rally for more pay and benefits on same day mass federal firings occur

Participants at state Capitol seek revival of pensions, release of state salary data withheld by governor.

Jonathan Rasch skates back to shore with his dog after spending hours looking for a man who fell through the ice on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, on Chilkoot Lake near Haines. Rasch was skating on the lake when he heard the man screaming for help and used his Garmin inReach to call for help. (Rashah McChesney/Chilkat Valley News)
After Haines man disappears, locals and state officials warn of the dangers of ice skating on lake

After Haines man disappears, locals and state officials warn of the dangers of ice skating on lake

A U.S. Forest Service office sign in Juneau on Feb. 14, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Trump’s federal layoffs hit wide range of Alaska agencies on Friday, with fears of many more to come

Murkowski: “Trying to get answers about the impact…but the response so far has been evasive and inadequate.”

Most Read