Are you prepared for your town to be isolated?

[1stimestar]

This record breaking warm weather we have been having (can we please have our Polar Vortex back?) has caused the only road into Valdez to be closed due to 50 miles worth of landslides. The landslides have blocked off the road and dammed up the river. That's going to be a real mess. They spent today dropping explosives. A few of their gas stations are already out of fuel and I imagine the store shelves are getting pretty thin. But the reason the Alaska Pipeline terminates in Valdez is because it is the only town whose port stays ice free enough through the winter to get in barges. So it is not all closed as they still are getting barges.

More pictures can be seen here: http://www.adn.com/2014/01/26/329251...rews-from.html

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Flyover video can be seen here: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v...type=2&theater

[randyt]

yuck!!! or double yuck!!!!

[Rick]

That is amazing. Just out of curiosity...since the river is backing up behind the ice will that pose a threat to Valdez? I assume this is on Mineral Creek?

[natertot]

That is a big issue, but the pic does leave me awe struck. The power of nature continues to remind me how small we are as humans.

[Grizz123]

warming up too fast could be a really bad thing, good luck and I wish I was there to help

[hunter63]

Wow, how would have thought too warm would cause a problem........

[1stimestar]

Yes, downriver is under a flash flood watch. That is the Lowe River.

[natertot]

Yes, downriver is under a flash flood watch. That is the Lowe River.

If it is under a flash flood watch, shouldn't it be called "High River" instead?!!!!!

Sorry, could pass that one up. I'll crawl back into my hole again.

[Rick]

One of the things that amazed me about Alaska (there was a lot that did) were avalanche slides. A mountain would be in emerald green except for a streak where ALL the trees had been destroyed from the snow line down to the valley. Some mountains had two, three or more. Some incredibly wide. It's hard to imagine that much power in a snow flake. I simply can't get my mind around 50 miles of that. It would be nice if they could release the water slowly but how would you ever control that? I hope the folks of Valdez make out okay.

Someone emailed me and said there had been no reports of deaths. How can 50 miles of snow give way and not one car be buried? Amazing.

[1stimestar]

Yes we are very lucky there was no traffic on the road. Mostly I think because those who live in Valdez know to stay out of the canyon when those weather conditions prevail.

[crashdive123]

Amazing pictures. Hopefully when the snow dam breaks it won't endanger too many people.

[1stimestar]

I think when Keystone Canyon does break lose, most will be ok as below the canyon, the Lowe River opens up into a large braided river and Valdez itself is off to the side.

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