Avalanche evacuations advised for Juneau residents as atmospheric river slams Alaska
Evacuation advisories are in effect for all known avalanche paths in Juneau until further notice.
Rounds of heavy rain slam Alaska and prompt avalanche evacuation warnings
As a series of atmospheric rivers continue to target Alaska, rainfall totals are expected to range from 3 to 5 inches through Tuesday, with locally higher amounts approaching 8 inches possible.
JUNEAU, Alaska - The City and Borough of Juneau has issued evacuation advisories for avalanche-prone areas as rain rapidly melts snowpack in the Alaska panhandle.
Evacuation advisories are in effect for all known avalanche paths in Juneau until further notice.
This graphic shows anticipated rainfall amounts in portions of Alaska through Tuesday.
(FOX Weather / FOX Weather)
HEAVY SNOW AND EXTREME WEATHER CAUSE SUNKEN VESSELS AND AVALANCHE RISK IN ALASKA
As a series of atmospheric rivers continue to target Alaska, rainfall totals are expected to range from 3 to 5 inches through Tuesday, with locally higher amounts approaching 8 inches possible, according to the FOX Forecast Center.
Juneau saw nearly seven feet of snow in December 2025, whereas they usually record 40 to 50 inches for the month.
Avalanche in Juneau, Alaska
Avalanches are triggering evacuation advisories in areas of Alaska as an atmospheric river is passing through the area, triggering flooding and life-threatening conditions in the Alaskan Panhandle.
As of Thursday, three feet of snow was still on the ground in and around Juneau. Flood alerts are in effect across the panhandle.
Because of the heavy snow being followed by heavy rain and warmer temperatures from an atmospheric river, snow has been rapidly melting.
Watch: Bus drives through street flooding Juneau as snow melts
Alaska's panhandle is seeing heavy rain and warmer temperatures, causing heavy snow they received in December to melt, causing flooding. Video shows a Juneau city bus driving through the flooded streets on Wednesday.
The southern half of the panhandle is under a Flood Watch until Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service office in Juneau.
KNOW YOUR FLOOD TERMINOLOGY: WHAT FLOOD WATCHES, WARNINGS AND EMERGENCIES REALLY MEAN
(FOX Weather)
In Douglas, Alaska, southwest of Juneau, flooding has been reported in homes and on roads.
Meanwhile, in Juneau, 4 to 5 feet of ponded water was reported near an intersection in town.
This graphic shows the amount of snow that has fallen in specific areas of Alaska.
(FOX Weather / FOX Weather)
The City and Borough of Juneau said on Friday evening that natural avalanches had occurred on Mount Juneau and on Thane Road paths, with some coming near the city's infrastructure.
"Almost every known path on Mt. Juneau saw avalanche activity today," the city said. "While these avalanches reduce the overall snow available to produce a larger avalanche, they also smooth existing runouts and provide a clearer path for future avalanches to potentially reach infrastructure."
All city facilities in Juneau were closed throughout the weekend due to the hazards. The Juneau School District also closed on Friday to keep students and staff safe.
Several feet of snow sit on the roof of a building in Juneau weeks after heavy snow in December 2025.
(City and Borough of Juneau/Facebook / FOX Weather)
The city advised residents in evacuation advisory zones to not wait and evacuate immediately.
The American Red Cross opened an emergency shelter in Juneau for residents evacuating with nowhere to go.
Strong winds and heavy rain are expected through Tuesday, increasing the risk for large avalanches.