By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | January 2026
Commuters and travelers along the Seward Highway corridor should plan for significant delays and heightened avalanche danger today.
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities reports that avalanche hazard reduction work will take place on the Seward Highway and Portage Glacier Highway. Intermittent traffic holds of up to 45 to 60 minutes are expected at multiple locations.
Seward Highway
- South of Girdwood and north of Portage from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Seward and Sterling Wye area from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Between Seward and Crown Point from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Portage Glacier Highway
- 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Delays may be longer if avalanche debris reaches the roadway and requires removal.
At the same time, the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center has issued an Avalanche Warning through early Friday morning for Anchorage, Girdwood, Portage, Turnagain Pass, Summit Lake, Lost Lake, and Seward. A warm, wet, and windy storm is rapidly increasing avalanche danger, with a very reactive snowpack across the eastern Turnagain Arm and Kenai Peninsula.
Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Roof avalanches are also possible in lower elevation communities including Girdwood, Moose Pass, and Seward. People, pets, and vehicles should be kept clear of rooflines that may shed snow.
Drivers are urged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and be prepared to stop. Check 511 Alaska for real time road updates and closures, and review current avalanche conditions before traveling.
