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State of Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Office of Public Affairs P.O. Box 5800, Camp Denali Fort Richardson, Alaska 99505-5800 (907) 428-6031 Fax 428-6035 |
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State of Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Office of Public Affairs P.O. Box 5800, Camp Denali Fort Richardson, Alaska 99505-5800 (907) 428-6031 Fax 428-6035 |
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | 5 February 2000, 11:00 PM |
| POC: Major Steve Politsch, 1-800-428-6031 |
Road Closed at Mile Post 20.6 Seward Highway
New avalanche forces another highway closure.
CAMP DENALI, Alaska --- The Alaska State Troopers notified the State Emergency Coordination Center at 10:45 p.m. that a new avalanche had occurred at Mile Post 20.6 of the Seward Highway which is Seward’s only road link to Anchorage. There were no reports of injuries or accidents at the site.Officials say the avalanche is 200 feet wide and eight to 10 feet deep where it crosses the road. Department of Transportation road crews will begin removing the avalanche on Sunday morning, Feb. 6.
"The threat of avalanches could linger until summer. Weather patterns such as rain, heavy snow and wind can change avalanche conditions rapidly," said Doug Fesler, of the Alaska Mountain Safety Center.
By attempting to drive in closed areas, travelers endanger their own lives and those of the public safety community.
Road closure information is available by calling Department of Transportation’s toll free line at 1-800-478-7675 or in Anchorage 273-6037.
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1-877-428-6031
