AEL&P to test Salmon Creek Dam emergency plan

Published 10:30 pm Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Alaska Electric Light & Power Co. will conduct a test of the Salmon Creek Dam’s emergency action plan starting at 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 2., AEL&P announced in a news release.

The test is coordinated with federal, state and local agencies to provide a complete test of the plan and to determine if it’s adequate in the event of an emergency arising from failure of the dam, according to AEL&P. Failure of the dam is “extremely unlikely,” but emergency plans are in place to ensure the community is prepared should failure occur.

During the test, AEL&P will initiate emergency sirens at Hospital Drive and Channel Drive, according to AEL&P. The National Weather Service in Juneau will test its emergency alert system that will interrupt TV and radio in and around Juneau.

Additionally, during the test, telephone calls and radio broadcasts will be made in accordance with the emergency plan. All communications will start with “This is a test.”

AEL&P encourages all people living or working in the Salmon Creek flood plain to familiarize themselves with the dam failure notification procedures and evacuation routes. More information about the EAP and evacuation areas is available on the AEL&P website under Salmon Creek EAP and also at the AEL&P Operations Center., 5601 Tonsgard Court.