AVALANCHE UPDATE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sunday January 26, 2014 2:00 PM In response to the avalanches that have occurred at Snow Slide Gulch in Keystone Canyon, the Alaska Department of Transportation (ADOT) continues to conduct avalanche control measures to assure the entire area is stable and safe for clean-up operations. The water build up behind the avalanches is still occurring, though some pressure is being relieved through the old tunnel south of the highway. Due to the severity of the situation, and the amount of snow, water and debris involved, the Richardson Highway will likely remain closed for at least one week, but very possibly longer. The City of Valdez is aggressively working with the Marine Highway System to increase ferry traffic to Valdez while the road is closed. The airport and port facilities remain fully functional. The City of Valdez has confirmed that there is plenty of gasoline and heating fuel oil in town to serve local needs during an extended road closure. Should fuel run short at any time, it will be barged in as needed. The City of Valdez has also confirmed with Providence Valdez Medical Center that they have sufficient staff and supplies on hand to maintain normal operations throughout this road closure period. Safeway has confirmed that food trucks are in route to Valdez via barges arriving today (Sunday January 26th) and then again tomorrow (Monday January 27th). Safeway staff is prepared to work through the night to stock shelves as food and supplies arrive. If the road remains closed they will continue to barge food into Valdez as needed. Some items may take time to be restocked but food and supplies will be available on a regular basis. For residents in the 10 mile area (Nordic and Alpine Woods subdivisions), the voluntary evacuation advisory is still in effect until further notice. As of 4:00 PM Sunday (January 26th), the city provided shelter will be moved to the Teen Center and will run for as long as needed. Those who need to drop off pets at the animal shelter please call 835-2286 to make arrangements. The City of Valdez asks residents in both of these subdivisions to be prepared to evacuate immediately in the event of the siren going off in that area. Throughout the course of this event, the City of Valdez will send out updates at 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM each day with the current information. Should anything significant happen between those two designated times, additional releases will be provided. Posted January 26, 2014 Holly Wolgamott, Deputy City Clerk/PIO, City of Valdez, Alaska
Posted on: Sun, 26 Jan 2014 23:08:36 +0000
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