Disaster Declarations Issued In Alaska As Incoming Atmospheric River Could Cause Flooding, Avalanches

Following weeks of unprecedented extreme cold and heavy snowfall that overwhelmed Alaska’s capital, straining public resources and utilities, Juneau residents are now preparing for a sudden shift to heavy rainfall that could introduce fresh dangers.

The City and Borough of Juneau, along with the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, released a combined emergency declaration Tuesday evening ahead of an approaching atmospheric river forecasted to cause flooding, heightened avalanche threats and possible landslides. Gov. Mike Dunleavy then issued a verbal disaster declaration, which local authorities note will expedite access to state resources for preparation and response to the effects of the incoming system.

Atmospheric rivers consist of long, narrow corridors of warm, moist air flowing northward from lower latitudes. These storms can deliver massive quantities of precipitation, including rain and snow, and have previously caused fatal landslides in Southeast Alaska and similar rugged regions.

The approaching atmospheric river is projected to deliver additional snow to Juneau initially, transitioning to rain starting early Friday, according to Nicole Ferrin, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service per Alaska Beacon. (RELATED: Millions In South Threatened By Severe Weather Setup That Could Trigger Tornadoes, Flash Flooding)

Ferrin joined other authorities in addressing concerns during a press briefing organized by city and tribal leaders Wednesday evening.

The anticipated rain will fall onto existing deep snow accumulations that have already burdened structures, blocked roads and led to widespread interruptions. Authorities cautioned that it may lead to flooding in low-lying areas due to blocked waterways and drainage systems, as well as various slide risks in elevated terrain.

“This storm and the atmospheric river that’s headed our way on top of this historic, unprecedented amount of snowfall that we’ve had does come with an increased chance for landslides and avalanches,” said City and Borough of Juneau emergency programs manager Ryan O’Shaughnessy during the press conference, per Alaska Beacon.

He added that evacuation orders could be issued for specific neighborhoods if conditions warrant it.

Parts of Alaska are starting to see a major melt!

FEET of snow piled up in SE Alaska during record December snowfall, but now an atmospheric river is expected to deliver inches of rain the region.

Melting snow combining with the rain could lead to flooding issues. #AKwx pic.twitter.com/RY3KGpju87

— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) January 9, 2026

Gov. Dunleavy’s verbal declaration joins several other recent state-level emergency proclamations. Earlier this week, he declared one for a Dec. power disruption in the Yukon-Kuskokwim community of Napaskiak. Another was issued Dec. 10 for storm damage from high winds in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. Additionally, state and federal declarations were made in Oct. for impacts in Western Alaska from the remnants of Typhoon Halong.

The current state, municipal and tribal declarations apply solely to the City and Borough of Juneau at this time. That said, nearly the entire Southeast Alaska region is covered by a flood watch extending from early Friday through late Saturday, with high wind alerts in effect for certain locations as well, per the National Weather Service (NWS).

Ferrin noted that the substantial mountain snowpack surrounding Juneau should soak up much of the rainfall from the atmospheric river.

This absorption is unlikely in the lower, more southerly sections of the Southeast panhandle, where ground snow is minimal or absent, she explained. (RELATED: Tornado Hammers Purcell, Oklahoma Leaving Trail Of Damage Amid Severe Weather Ripping Through Plains)

Those southern zones could encounter alternative flooding threats, such as landslides, she added.

The system targeting Alaska will initially bring some snow to southern panhandle areas, but the switch to rain is expected sooner than in Juneau, according to Ferrin. Precipitation totals there could reach 2-4 inches or higher.

Along with strong winds and flooding, the NWS has highlighted landslide possibilities in southern Southeast Alaska, according to Ferrin.

“We will continue to monitor any potentials for other impacts throughout the event and coordinate with the emergency managers in the southern Panhandle for what needs or any impacts that they’re seeing on the ground in real time,” said Ferrin, per Alaska Beacon.