City facilities and schools will be closed to in-person activities on Wednesday due to the ongoing effects of a winter storm, but the city will offer phone and online services, while the Juneau School District will offer remote learning for a third straight day, according to announcements published Tuesday evening.
A total of 26.4 inches of snow fell between Sunday and noon Tuesday at the National Weather Service Juneau office, according to the station located near the Mendenhall Glacier. Several more inches of snow are forecast before the winter storm warning ends at 3 a.m. Wednesday, with rain occasionally mixed with snow forecast for several days afterward.
“Juneau residents are encouraged to avoid non-essential travel in current unsafe weather conditions,” a notice published by the City and Borough of Juneau at about 5:30 p.m. states. It also notes “essential workers remain on duty, and CBJ Streets & Fleets Maintenance, Parks & Landscaping and Docks & Harbors continue working around the clock to clear streets, sidewalks, and parking lots. We appreciate the patience and understanding of the community during this unprecedented weather event.”
In-person CBJ closures include City Hall, Juneau Public Libraries, parks and recreation facilities (Dimond Park Aquatic Center, Dimond Park Field House, Treadwell Arena, Zach Gordon Youth Center, Mt. Jumbo Gym), and RecycleWorks, according to the notice. The Shéiyi Xaat Hít Youth Shelter remains open 24 hours a day.
“All CBJ departments can be reached today via phone and email,” the notice states. “For contact information, visit juneau.org and choose from the drop-down ‘Departments’ menu, or check the CBJ Directory.”
Also, online options exist for residents to pay a utility or property tax bill, file and pay sales taxes, file a permit application, and join a Community Development Department pre-application meeting.
The school district posted a separate announcement at about the same time as CBJ.
“While snow removal has been happening around the clock, there is still heavy snow on area streets and sidewalks,” the district’s announcement states. “For the safety of our families and staff, in-person classes, RALLY, in person meetings, and after school activities have been canceled.”
Avalanche risk for the Juneau area is considered high, with the possibility of some structures being within reach of large snowslides, according to the CBJ’s advisory website on Tuesday. Thane Road was closed for a second straight night on Tuesday by the state Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, with officials stating the situation in the area will be reevaluated Wednesday morning.
• Contact Mark Sabbatini at mark.sabbatini@juneauempire.com or (907) 957-2306.
