The Alaska Department of Transportation/Public Services, released this morning, an announcement of an avalanche on the Seward Highway.

The avalanche closed the Highway at mile 37, closing off traffic on the Seward and Sterling Highways to traffic both ways. The rising temperature on snowload caused the slide to occur at approximately 7 am this morning. Work began at first light on the 100 foot wide slide ranging from 3 to 10 feet deep. Work clearing is estimated to continue well into the day.

ADOT&PF has stated that more avalanches are likely, and avalanche risk is extended beyond the Seward Highway to Turnagain. They warn of possible debris on the highway. They advise that drivers should avoid the area. If unable to avoid travelling these areas, the Department is asking that travelers reduce speed and drive cautiously while watching for road crews and plow trucks. They also ask driverrs to travel directly to your destination while avoiding any unnessary stops.

Updates on road conditions can be found at the 511.alaska.gov website or by dialing 511 on your telephone.

For more information, contact Rick Feller, DOT&PF public information officer, @ (907) 269-0772, rick.feller@alaska.gov, or (907) 632-9198 (cell).