Avalanche Risk and Roof Collapses Challenge Juneau Residents

On January 9, 2026, the City and Borough of Juneau issued an evacuation advisory for residents in known avalanche zones due to heightened risks from recent weather conditions. Increased snowfall, rising temperatures, and forecasted rain have contributed to the potential for avalanches, prompting Emergency Programs Manager Ryan O’Shaughnessy to urge residents to evacuate. “If you live in a slide path it’s time to grab your go bag and get out of your house,” he stated during a news conference. The advisory affects areas downtown and along Thane Road, with the city collaborating with the National Weather Service and the Alaska Department of Transportation to monitor conditions closely.

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The National Weather Service reported that Juneau received 82 inches of snow in December and an additional 9 inches in January, with recent storms exacerbating the situation. The weight of the snow has led to structural failures, including a roof collapse in Mendenhall Valley, where Tracey Muir experienced a partial roof failure due to the accumulated snow load. Muir noted, “All the snow we’ve been getting is what took it,” highlighting the dangers posed by the extreme weather.

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In response to the evacuation advisory, the American Red Cross of Alaska opened an emergency shelter at Centennial Hall, prepared to accommodate up to 150 residents. Britt Tonnessen, the community disaster program manager for the Red Cross, emphasized the importance of safety, stating, “Evacuating to a congregate shelter is not people’s dream idea. It’s a safe place to go.” By early afternoon, around 30 individuals had signed in at the shelter.

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Despite the evacuation advisory, some residents, like Ezra Strong, chose to remain in their homes, citing perceived safety due to their location. Strong remarked, “We’re a little bit protected by a rock wall,” indicating a level of skepticism regarding the advisory. This sentiment reflects a broader community debate about the balance between caution and personal judgment in the face of natural hazards.

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Officials have indicated that the evacuation notice could last several days, depending on weather developments. O’Shaughnessy reiterated the seriousness of the situation, stating, “We are not out of the woods, and there are still significant hazards that remain for the public.” As conditions are expected to worsen, residents are advised to stay informed and prepared for potential further evacuations or road closures.

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While the city has taken proactive measures to ensure public safety, there are varying opinions among residents regarding the necessity and effectiveness of the evacuation advisory. Some residents feel the measures are extreme, while others recognize the potential dangers posed by the current weather conditions.

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• “If you live in a slide path it’s time to grab your go bag and get out of your house and make other arrangements until the hazard has cleared,” — Ryan O’Shaughnessy, Emergency Programs Manager, City and Borough of Juneau

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• “Evacuating to a congregate shelter is not people’s dream idea. It’s a safe place to go. We do the best to meet the needs and we have incredible, loving, warm volunteers to meet people.” — Britt Tonnessen, Community Disaster Program Manager, Red Cross of Alaska

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As Juneau navigates these challenges, the community's resilience and preparedness will be crucial in ensuring safety during this tumultuous winter season.

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