Subject: Blizzard Conditions Present Hazard on Seward Highway
Per the Commissioner of the Department of Transportation for the State of Alaska – the Seward Highway has been closed for traffic between Girdwood and Cooper Landing until 12:00 PM Friday – February 10th. Alaska State Troopers in Girdwood and Seward and in coordination with the Girdwood Fire Department, report severe weather conditions that have presented extremely hazardous road conditions between Girdwood and Seward.
Both agencies report numerous accidents and vehicles in distress or in the ditch.
At mile 12 of the Seward Highway there is approximately 2 feet of snow, and heavy snow is still falling.
At mile 33 of the Seward Highway, there is an avalanche that is reported to be 40 feet across the roadway, and measuring 13 to 18 feet deep that is a mixture of snow and trees. DOT officials report that this may take some extended time to clear the avalanche.
One vehicle was caught in the avalanche and both persons who were occupants have been rescued with no reported injuries. Troopers are patrolling the Seward Highway seeking motorists who may have become trapped or disabled along this route. Troopers are also searching the Turnagain Pass area looking for recreational snowmachiners for evacuation.
Weather reports at this time include blizzard or whiteout conditions and high winds.
Portage and Whittier residents will be allowed travel past Girdwood, but no further traffic will be allowed.
4:08:42 PM 
