Expected heavy snow and high winds Thursday evening prompted Alaska’s Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to issue a warning of increased avalanche hazard along Thane Road. (File photo)

Expected heavy snow and high winds Thursday evening prompted Alaska’s Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to issue a warning of increased avalanche hazard along Thane Road. (File photo)

Avalanche risk increasing along Thane Road

Be careful and plan for the possibility of an extended road closure.

City officials are asking residents who live near Thane Road to be on high alert for avalanches through Friday night.

High winds combined with heavy snowfall at higher elevations will cause the avalanche hazard above Thane Road to rapidly increase Thursday evening, according to the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF). This increases the possibility of an avalanche reaching Thane Road in the next 24 hours.

For your safety

Obey posted warning signs on Thane Road: Do not stop or park in the avalanche danger zone. If access along Thane Road is blocked, it is unlikely DOT&PF will be able to safely remove debris until the hazard decreases naturally. Be prepared for extended road closures.

For more information, visit CBJ’s Emergency Management website for details about personal and household preparedness.

DOT&PF is monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates when necessary.

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