ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - A flash flood warning and voluntary evacuation order have been lifted, but the only road to Valdez remains closed by avalanches.
The avalanches struck the Richardson Highway on Friday, burying it in snow and ice 30 to 40 feet deep in some places. The Alaska Department of Transportation called them some of the biggest avalanches ever seen in the Thompson Pass area.
No injuries or major damage has been reported, but Valdez deputy city clerk Holly Wolgamott tells the Anchorage Daily News the highway could be in rough shape when the clearing finally begins (https://is.gd/iZS7Cg).
The National Weather Service issued the flash flood warning Friday afternoon for residents of Keystone Canyon, and the city of Valdez placed a voluntary evacuation order on those living in Alpine Woods and the 10 Mile area.
Water from the avalanche-dammed Lowe River began receding overnight, and the warnings were lifted Saturday.
Officials said the road will remain closed through Sunday.
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Information from: Anchorage (Alaska) Daily News, https://www.adn.com
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