CBJ, Tlingit & Haida Declare Local Disaster, Governor Dunleavy Declares State Disaster Ahead of Incoming Storm

The City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) and Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida) late yesterday issued a local disaster declaration and submitted a formal request for additional state assistance due to the prolonged heavy snowfall and resulting impacts creating an ongoing threat to critical infrastructure. Governor Dunleavy followed shortly after with a verbal State disaster declaration, opening access to emergency and operational resources needed to recover and prepare for an incoming atmospheric river. 

Local disaster declarations are made when additional resources are needed to address an ongoing emergency. CBJ and Tlingit & Haida have determined that resources beyond those presently available are necessary to keep critical public facilities, including schools, safe.  There is a local need for both funding and staffing resources to clear public facilities of ice and snow before additional weather events push loads beyond their design and safety capacities, making them unsafe for the students, staff and entire community of Juneau that rely on these facilities. 

 “This joint disaster declaration reflects the seriousness of what our community is facing and the responsibility we share to protect our people and critical infrastructure,” said Tlingit & Haida President Chalyee Éesh Richard Peterson. “The prolonged snowfall, combined with variable warming and freezing temperatures and additional storms ahead, poses real risks. We are grateful for the State of Alaska’s swift response and partnership, and we will continue working closely with CBJ, state agencies and our community to ensure safety, support recovery efforts and prepare for what’s next.” 

Through the joint request, Tlingit & Haida and CBJ have requested state resources and expertise to addressing roof snow loads, drainage issues and hydrant access, as well as avalanche monitoring, and related operational support as we move closer to another storm. The National Weather Service predicts high precipitation levels and rapidly warming temperatures at the end of the week, that bring with them increased avalanche and landslide risk. The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and partner agencies have already begun mobilizing resources and support.  

“This disaster has shown us what our community can accomplish when we all come together. The partnership provided by Tlingit & Haida, Alaska DOT&PF, the National Weather Service and, most of all, our residents has been essential,” says CBJ City Manager, Katie Koester. “However, what we are experiencing is unprecedented. Our community is exhausted, the impacts are ongoing, and winter has just begun. We couldn’t be more grateful to our partners at the State of Alaska for recognizing this prolonged threat to our isolated community and providing the resources to help us recover.” 

Per CBJ Code and State Law, the CBJ Assembly will make a ratification determination at a special meeting this evening, January 7th at 5:15 p.m. Public participation details are available at juneauak.portal.civicclerk.com.

CBJ and Tlingit & Haida appreciates the quick response from the SEOC, who began mobilizing staff from state agencies outside of Juneau to come assist even prior to the disaster declaration. Both governments also thank those state and local workers, residents and citizens who live here and have been engaged in the snow response from the beginning. 

Key Ways Residents Can Stay Informed

1. Sign up for emergency alerts at bit.ly/CBJAlerts
2. Check in with the CBJ Avalanche Advisory webpage at bit.ly/CBJavalanche
3. View road closures at 511.alaska.gov
4. Stay tuned to the National Weather Service Juneau page at www.weather.gov/ajk
5. Review the interactive Avalanche Risk maps available at bit.ly/4pjkGBA 
6. Follow partner agencies on social media

For inquiries, contact Ashley Heimbigner at [email protected] or (907) 586-5240.