|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | 6 February 2000 |
| POC: (907) 428-6031 |
TICKING TIME BOMBS ON ALASKA MOUNTAINS
Avalanche threat to continue; all
Alaskans encouraged to use caution when travelling
CAMP DENALI, Alaska --- "The Kenai Peninsula still has some ticking time bombs. Natural releases are still occurring and the definite threat to human life continues," said Doug Fesler of the Alaska Mountain Safety Center.
"Typically in backcountry accidents, 96% of avalanche victims trigger the avalanche that catches them," continued Fesler. "Avalanches happen for particular reasons and backcountry travelers need to learn how to assess the stability of the snow pack. When in doubt, stay on low angled slopes of 30 degrees or less, as long as those slopes are not connected to steeper terrain."
"The threat of avalanches in backcountry areas and the on the road system could linger until summer. Weather patterns such as rain, heavy snow and wind can change avalanche conditions rapidly," said Fesler.
Alaska Mountain Safety Center offers several classes on avalanches. The next class is "Recognizing Avalanche Danger in the Background" on February 12, at the Egan Center in Anchorage. For more information on the class, contact the Alaska Mountain Safety Center at 907-345-7736.
Current information about the avalanche situation can be found at the Division of Emergency (DES) website: www.ak-prepared.com or by calling the DES Joint Information Center toll free: 1-877-428-6031. DES will continue to operate the State Emergency Coordination Center for the duration of the avalanche activity.
Road closure information is available by calling the Department of Transportation toll free at 1-800-478-7675.
-30-
1-877-428-6031
