CBJ 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].

 

December 30th, 2025|

UPDATE: Full Day Closure at CBJ Facilities on December 30

UPDATE (11:50 am, 12/30/25) – FULL DAY CLOSURE of all CBJ Facilities.
Due to ongoing hazardous road conditions, CBJ is moving from a delayed start to a full day closure. The closure impacts all of the facilities and offices listed below. Stay safe and stay of the roads if you can!
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(Original Post)

City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) facilities and services will open at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, December 30 due to hazardous road conditions this morning from the overnight snowfall.

A delayed start is in effect at the following CBJ facilities:

  • All Juneau Public Libraries locations and the Juneau Douglas City Museum.
  • All Juneau Parks & Recreation facilities. The Dimond Park Field House, Dimond Park Aquatic Center, Augustus G. Brown Pool, and Zach Gordon Youth Center will open at 12 p.m. Treadwell Arena will open at 12:30 p.m. Preschool Open Gym at Mount Jumbo Gym is cancelled. Shéiyi X̱aat Hit Youth Shelter remains open.
  • City Hall, the CBJ Permit Center and all CBJ offices will open at 12 p.m.

The Juneau Recycling Center is closed today.

Capital Transit continues to operate on winter routes. Visit juneaucapitaltransit.org for more information.

Residents are encouraged to continue to exercise caution and limit driving where possible until road conditions improve. CBJ thanks the community for their patience and partnership during this ongoing snow event.

For media inquiries, contact [email protected].

December 30th, 2025|

CBJ Facilities Closed Due to Snowfall, Road Conditions

Due to significant snowfall overnight and hazardous road conditions from freezing rain and snow, City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) facilities and services will be closed or offering limited operations on Monday, December 29.

CBJ snow removal crews continue to work around the clock. Residents are encouraged to exercise caution and limit driving wherever possible until road conditions improve.

UPDATE from the Juneau School District (12/29/2025, 9:30 a.m.: All JSD buildings are closed today, with community schools and building rental activities canceled. The 3PM and 5PM Capital City Classic games at JDHS are still scheduled at this time (1PM scrimmage is canceled).

CBJ Facilities Closed on December 29:

  • All Juneau Public Libraries locations.
  • All Juneau Parks & Recreation facilities. This includes the Dimond Park Field House, Dimond Park Aquatic Center, Augustus G. Brown Pool and Treadwell Arena. Shéiyi X̱aat Hit Youth Shelter remains open.
  • City Hall, the CBJ Permit Center and all CBJ offices will be closed today; however, staff are working remotely and available by phone or email.

Eaglecrest Ski Area is open today. Please visit skieaglecrest.com or the Eaglecrest Ski Area Facebook page for more information.

Capital Transit Operating on Winter Routes:

  • No service up Cordova Street to Cedar Park on Douglas Island. Please wait for the bus at the Breeze In stop.
  • No service on Franklin or 4th street in Downtown Juneau. Please wait for the bus at the Downtown Transit Center stop.

Transit riders can expect potential delays on all routes.

 

CBJ thanks the community for their cooperation in staying off the roads where possible to allow crews to do their work.

For media inquiries, contact [email protected].

December 29th, 2025|

CBJ Shares Safety Reminders Ahead of the Weekend’s Heavy Snow Forecast

Heavy snow and potential rain this weekend are forecasted in Juneau this weekend according to Juneau’s National Weather Forecast team. Starting in the early morning on Saturday, December 27, Juneau is projected to see up to 19 inches of snow followed by a mix of heavy snow and rain on Sunday, December 28.  

The City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) will be closely monitoring the weather system throughout the weekend. City facilities — including Capital Transit, libraries, pools and other parks and recreation facilities — may operate on adjusted schedules this weekend, dependent on weather conditions. Visit the CBJ website and Facebook page for updates.   

CBJ shares the following important safety reminders for residents to prepare ahead of the weekend’s extreme weather:  

Keep storm drains clear to help prevent minor floods 

With increased snow and rain that can block city storm drains, Juneau faces a higher risk of flooding. CBJ Streets crews will be working to clear storm drains in addition to keeping roads clear. With so much snow in the forecast, residents who are able are asked to help by keeping your neighborhood drain clear. 

Limit driving and exercise caution where possible  

Major rain on heavy snow can cause unexpected road hazards, including road heaves, fallen trees, major potholes and soft shoulders. Motorists are encouraged to be alert, drive safely, and check weather updates before going on the road. Check the safety of your route by visiting 511.alaska.gov. 

If you encounter fallen trees, flooding, slick intersections or other dangerous road conditions, call Juneau Police Department’s non-emergency line at (907) 586-0600. All other concerns can be emailed to the CBJ Streets & Fleets division at [email protected].  

Check boats to prevent damage 

If you have a vessel or boat, CBJ Docks & Harbors requests that owners remove excess snow and check that lines, power cords, heaters, and bilge systems are secure and functioning properly before the storm to prevent emergencies during the storm. 

Consider safety before clearing roofs of snow  

Before cleaning snow from your home, residents should carefully consider the benefits and dangers. Each individual building, building location, and part of building has slightly different conditions that may be totally different from its next-door neighbor. It is up to the individual property owner to decide their own course of action.  

Although CBJ does not make borough-wide recommendations on when to remove snow from roofs, the Roof Snow Loads Information Sheet is a good source of information to learn more about factors, codes, load and dangers. 

According to engineering firm RESPEC, below are general guidelines for what to look for when the snow starts to pile up: 

  • While buildings have additional safety designs to prevent snow from collapsing a roof, consider shoveling your roof after the snow accumulation is between 2 feet 6 inches and 3 feet to prevent trouble.  
  • If you have an older home, consider clearing snow when accumulation is between 2 feet and 2 feet 6 inches.  
  • Check trusses, joists, or other areas where snow might accumulate for safety issues.  
  • Ice is roughly four times denser than snow, so watch for ice build-up.  

Remember that there are potential dangers of shoveling or raking snow from a roof, including falling off a roof or ladder, overexerting yourself, or injury from snow sliding on top of you. Exercise caution before taking action around your roof.  

For more information about the upcoming weather forecast, visit the U.S. National Weather Service at www.weather.gov/ajk/forecastgraphics.  

December 26th, 2025|

UPDATE: Water Restored to Isolated Water Main Break in Industrial Boulevard Area

UPDATE (December 29, 2025, 11:33 a.m.):

The boil water advisory issued to properties impacted by the December 25 watermain break near lower Industrial Boulevard between Crazy Horse Drive and Maier Drive has has been cancelled.

City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) Utility staff notified impacted properties of the watermain break and subsequent boil water advisory on December 26, and sent water samples for testing as a standard safety precaution the same day. The test results came back today showing that all potable water in the area is safe for consumption.

UPDATE (December 26, 2025, 6 p.m.):

City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) Utility crews were able to locate and repair the water main issue and service was restored to the area by approximately 4 p.m. on December 26.  A boil water advisory is in effect for the impact area until water quality testing can be completed over the weekend. Impacted property owners will be notified when the boil water advisory has concluded.

Original Notice:
At approximately 8:00 p.m. on December 25, a water main break was detected by City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) Utility staff in the area of lower Industrial Boulevard between Crazy Horse Drive and Maier Drive.  Utility staff subsequently isolated the break to a smaller area with multiple businesses and one residence. Crews have provided notification to the residence and other impacted properties where possible.

Potable water services to the affected area have been shut down for the evening and a CBJ work crew will be responding first thing in the morning to repair the water main and restore service to the area.  Additional information will be provided once available. Impacted property owners can contact the CBJ Water Utility at (907) 723-2201.

December 26th, 2025|
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