Snow Causes Closures and 15 Moose Deaths

Heavy snowfall increases dangers for humans and moose on roads

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By Megan Edge

Story Created: Feb 3, 2012 at 4:01 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Feb 3, 2012 at 4:51 PM AKDT

18 inches of heavy snow is anticipated to fall in the Anchorage bowl and will continue until 9 p.m. Friday.

The Alaska Department of Transportation (DOT) and Public Facilities is encouraging people to stay home if they can, to help city and state crews manage snow removal.

The department is moving resources in from other areas around the state to supplement the equipment and operators already in Anchorage to help manage the storm.

“Know that your Department of Transportation Maintenance and Operations has all available equipment and crew out working to clear the streets as quickly as possible,” said commissioner Marc Luiken. “Stay tuned to 511 for additional travel advisories.”

Due to the weather and road conditions the following are canceled for Friday: elementary and middle school after school programs, the 21st Century Learning Center program, high school CTE buses for students who participate in 7 and 8 hour classes, the Girdwood late-afternoon activity bus and Boys and Girls Club.

All regular bus routes to Girdwood will proceed as scheduled, along with high school after-school activities. Camp Fire and the YMCA will be open as well.

UAA's Anchorage, Eagle River and JBER campuses will remain open for the remainder of the day, but classes scheduled to take place at 3 p.m. or later are canceled.

The weather is also affecting the moose population. Since 5 p.m. on Thursday the Alaska Moose Federation (AMF) has picked up 15 dead moose – 13 of which were car/moose collisions. The program is bringing the salvageable moose to local charities.

“We are urging drivers to drive very safe,” said AMF’s Gary Olson. “Due to the existing snowfall and all the new snow moose are being pushed to the roads.”

 

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Summer said on Thursday, Feb 9 at 8:03 PM

Send some of your snow to NH. We got bupkis!

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A. Torres said on Tuesday, Feb 7 at 12:52 PM

Drivers need to slow down and prepare to stop (if needed) when a moose is spotted next to a travelling road. If drivers follow this common sense rule; many moose can be spared their survivability. It's like a bouncing ball that crosses the street; a child will follow! Save the moose for fair game hunting.

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