Juneau issues disaster declarations as atmospheric river may cause flooding and avalanches

City, tribal and state officials issued emergency and disaster declarations as an atmospheric river is forecast to bring snow then rain to Juneau, raising flood, landslide and avalanche concerns and prompting coordination for resources.

Juneau city and tribal leaders issued emergency declarations and the governor made a verbal disaster declaration ahead of an approaching atmospheric river that forecasters say will bring heavy precipitation to Southeast Alaska. The region has experienced weeks of extreme cold and heavy snowfall that strained utilities and blocked roads. Meteorologists report the system will produce additional snow in some areas before changing to rain beginning early Friday. Local, state and federal agencies are monitoring the forecast and discussing response measures. Key facts: - The City and Borough of Juneau and the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida issued a combined emergency declaration; Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced a verbal disaster declaration to expedite access to state resources. - The National Weather Service forecast, cited by NWS meteorologist Nicole Ferrin, calls for snow in parts of the panhandle before a transition to rain starting early Friday in Juneau. - A flood watch covers nearly the entire Southeast Alaska region from early Friday through late Saturday, and some high-wind alerts are in effect, according to the NWS. - Officials warned that rain falling on deep, existing snow could block drainage, cause flooding in low-lying areas, and increase landslide and avalanche risk; evacuation orders could be issued for specific neighborhoods if conditions warrant. - Ferrin said the mountain snowpack near Juneau may absorb much rainfall, while lower southern panhandle areas with little snow could see heavier runoff and landslide threats, with precipitation totals there possibly reaching 2 to 4 inches or more. Summary: Local, tribal and state declarations are intended to speed access to resources as the atmospheric river approaches after weeks of heavy snow and cold. Authorities are monitoring conditions, coordinating with emergency managers, and stated that evacuations could be ordered for vulnerable neighborhoods if on-the-ground impacts warrant them.