By Editor, on April 16th, 2012 From Rep. Bill Thomas:
HAINES–The Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation will be hosting a public workshop on April 17, 2012 at the American Bald Eagle Foundation in Haines from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. The purpose of the workshop is to gather public input on Chilkoot River corridor management recommendations and improvements planned for the area. There will be representatives from various agencies available at the workshop to answer questions and discuss corridor concerns.
To learn more about the project, visit:
http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/plans/chilkootlk/chilkootriver.htm
By Editor, on April 6th, 2012 By Jill Burke | ALASKA DISPATCH
Alaska’s heavy snow pack, coupled with cooler-than-average temperatures, is a recipe for flooding this year. Hydrologists with the National Weather Service delivered the news during a roundtable discussion on the issue Thursday morning in Anchorage with U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska.
“This winter has been very much a see-saw. November was cold, December was warm. January was cold, February was warm. March was cold, and now the question is: ‘What’s April going to be?’,” said Scott Lindsey, a hydrologist with the weather service’s river watch program in Anchorage.
Read the full story in the Alaska Dispatch.
By Editor, on March 31st, 2012 PRESS RELEASE
ANCHORAGE–ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips, BP and TransCanada, through its participation in the Alaska Pipeline Project, announced today that they are working together on the next generation of resource development in Alaska.
The four companies have agreed on a work plan aimed at commercializing North Slope natural gas resources within an Alaska Gasline Inducement Act (AGIA) framework. Because of a rapidly evolving global market, large-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports from south-central Alaska will be assessed as an alternative to a natural gas pipeline through Alberta.
Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on March 20th, 2012 HAINES: On 3/19/2012, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Washington D.C., issued a preliminary permit to Goat Lake Hydro (AP&T) to complete a feasibility study of their proposed Connelly Lake Hydro project. Additionally, the permit gives Goat Lake Hydro a priority over other companies to develop this particular resource.
The permit is not a license to construct a hydro project, but a preliminary step in the process that allows in-depth studies and planning to proceed, and a significant step toward adequate hydropower for northern Lynn Canal.
To view the document for this Issuance, click here
http://elibrary.FERC.gov/idmws/file_list.asp?accession_num=20120319-3027
By Editor, on February 15th, 2012 Public Information Release
Due to the slowdown of activity in Ocean View / Lutak Road Slope Movement, the Command Center will be shutting down until new activity warrants re‐activation.
This will be the last update until further notice Comments or concerns that may be helpful regarding this event should be directed to Brian Lemcke, Director of Public Works at 766‐2257.
Command Center – 766‐2258 Roc Ahrens ~ Emergency Coordinator
DAILY Update Recording – 766‐2256
By Roger Maynard, on February 14th, 2012 Public Information Release
Daily monitoring with survey equipment shows very little movement in the slump area since a week ago Saturday, February 4th. Heavy runoff water continues to be noted in the drainage ditch along Lutak Road.
The history of this area has been a problem with the drainage of surface water, and soft and sloughing bank materials for the last 50 years according to former DOT employees who have maintained the ditches and slope of the hillside in this area. Humps and dips located in the same area they are now, have caused pavement to be removed and repaired in past years.
We anxiously wait the results of the ongoing testing and measurements, for the engineers to determine possible solutions. In the mean time, we hope the movement stays at a minimum.
Next update is scheduled for Tuesday February 14th.
___________________
Command Center – 766‐2258 Roc Ahrens ~ Emergency Coordinator
Click here to view all official updates on the Haines Borough Website.
By Editor, on February 11th, 2012 Public Information Release:
HAINES–Movement in the slump area continues to show very little visual activity. Road & shoulder repairs to the damaged areas of Lutak and Ocean View roads have been completed, to provide safe passage through these areas.
State DOT drilling operations continue along Lutak and Front Street roads. Soil samples are taken every 5 foot in bore holes that average 40 – 50 feet. The Borough has agreed to share the surveying and drilling information collected from their contract engineers, PND, with the State DOT geologists and engineers. Results are still at least 2 weeks out as they wait for the data being collected by the State DOT drilling operations.
Next update is scheduled for Monday February 13th.
___________________
Command Center – 766‐2258 Roc Ahrens ~ Emergency Coordinator
Click here to view all official updates on the Haines Borough Website.
By Editor, on February 10th, 2012 Public Information Release
Nice weather and another day of minor movement in the slump area welcomed the DOT drilling crew who began drilling a series of test holes this morning.
Read more->
By Editor, on February 8th, 2012 Public Information Release
HAINES–Activity in the slump area was very quiet again today. The Borough crew, conducting the daily surveying, received additional prisms and materials to set up a couple additional points to increase the area that the data is being collected.
The State DOT drilling crew arrived on the ferry today and met with Borough officials to lay out the bore hole locations to avoid all buried utilities. Drilling will begin tomorrow morning, Thursday, and continue until they complete six drilling sites. Drilling is planned for four holes along the Right of Way on Lutak Road, and two on Front Street. Expect lane closures and traffic control for single lane traffic.
Next update is scheduled for 3 pm Thursday February 9th.
___________________
Command Center – 766‐2258 Roc Ahrens ~ Emergency Coordinator
Click here to view all official updates on the Haines Borough Website.
By Editor, on February 7th, 2012 Public Information Release
HAINES–Cooler drier weather has given us another day of calm in and around the Slump Area, with very little movement detected. Crews took a couple of manual measurements along the top of the slide in the Ocean View area today which shows horizontal movements of 8 to 9 inches over the last week and a half. We are still waiting for accurate information from the contract engineers. Read more->
By Editor, on February 6th, 2012 Public Information Release
Activity in the slump area seemed to slow down with the change in the weather. Daily monitoring continues for control point data that is sent to the engineers in Seattle. We are still waiting for results of the data sent to the engineers last week. We will report on those findings as soon as they are available.
The City Borough Juneau sewer jetting and vacuum crew has been put on hold until local sewer crews get a better look and the amount of debris coming into the manholes from the sewer line break, and may be taken care of locally.
Residents are advised to contact the Command Center if you are concerned about, or have questions regarding the elaborate stories circulating about the slump area, and we will share the facts we have gathered.
Next update is scheduled for 3 pm Tuesday February 7.
___________________
Command Center – 766‐2258 Roc Ahrens ~ Emergency Coordinator
Click here to view all official updates on the Haines Borough Website.
By Editor, on February 5th, 2012 Public Information Release
HAINES–Emergency repair work to the sewer main running through the center of the slump area was completed around 3:45 pm Friday afternoon. Residence of the Highland Estates & Skyline Drive area can resume normal usage. Thank you for your patience. Read more->
By Editor, on February 4th, 2012 Public Information Release
HAINES–A Resolution to declare a disaster and requesting state assistance was adopted in a special meeting of the Haines Borough Assembly today at 1:15 pm. The situation was elevated to this point when the main sewer line from 125 homes on the hillside of Highland Estates and Skyline Drive was broken by the slide activity.
Crews from Southeast Road Builders Inc. and the Borough Water & Sewer Department started emergency repairs to this line before light this morning. Work is ongoing as of this report (3:00pm Friday afternoon) PSA’s asking residence above this area to restrict their use of water going into the sewer until crews finish emergency repairs today. [Borough officials] will place an announcement on KHNS when the work is completed and normal usage can resume. Crews will continue working until repairs are finished today. Thank you for your patience.
No update is scheduled for the week‐end unless there are major changes to report.
Command Center – 766‐2258 Roc Ahrens ~ Emergency Coordinator
DAILY Update Recording – 766‐22567
Click here to view all official updates on the Haines Borough Website.
By Editor, on February 3rd, 2012 PUBLIC NOTICE
HAINES BOROUGH ASSEMBLY SPECIAL MEETING NOTIFICATION
Location: Borough Assembly Chambers, February 3, 2012 at 1:15 pm
PURPOSE: Consider Resolution 12-02-330 Declaring a disaster and requesting state assistance.
According to the agenda, “The slump in the Oceanview Drive/Lutak Road area continues to move and has breached the sewer line. It is anticipated that the area will continue to move and destroy public facilities. The manager has deemed it necessary to declare a disaster and request state assistance at this time.”
The Haines Alaska News will post more information as it becomes available; readers can also check the Haines Borough Website for updates.
By Editor, on February 3rd, 2012 Public Information Release
HAINES–6 PM Revision–Melting snow revealed an old manhole, not showing on any as builts, or known by local maintenance officials, during dye testing of the sewer line running through the middle of the slide area late this afternoon. This manhole is being compromised by the ground shifting close to a crack near the top of the slide area. Plans are being put together this evening to remove that manhole and to re‐connect the sewer line. This damage appears to be from earlier shifting in this location but has been buried under the snow, keeping it from detection.
Activity in the active area of the slope movement appeared to calmed down today with very little new visual movement detected.
The command center has been receiving very detailed information from several State and Federal offices in an effort to help in our planning efforts. Some of it is so detailed that we have to filter through the information to determine what is relevant to our event. If you have questions about any information you may be hearing rumors about, please contact the command center at 766‐2258.
Warmer weather will still be with us for a few more days, which is helping melt the snow, but also brings added concern to the area that is already over saturated.
Next scheduled update will be 3 PM Friday afternoon.
Command Center – 766‐2258 Roc Ahrens ~ Emergency Coordinator
DAILY Update Recording – 766‐22567
Click here to view all official updates on the Haines Borough Website.
By Editor, on February 3rd, 2012 There was a sudden increase of movement in the slide area beginning around 7:30 pm which aroused residents nearby. Upon investigation, the shifting that had occurred at the large cracks at the top of the slide in Lutak Road, was very visible. There was an approximate horizontal shift of 8 inches, and a vertical drop of near 4 inches. Residents in the immediate area were notified of the increased activity, as well as appropriate State agencies.
The State DOT survey crew finished setting additional control points surrounding the whole area, and plan to be back in two weeks to check for any differences.
Haines DOT/PF crews ground the remaining hump in the north bound lane today with Southeast Road Builders re‐claimer. Borough Maintenance crews filled the cracks in Lutak road for the State who were busy grinding the pavement of the bump and the bottom of the active area.
Next scheduled update will be 3 PM Thursday afternoon.
Command Center – 766‐2258 Roc Ahrens ~ Emergency Coordinator
DAILY Update Recording – 766‐22567
By Editor, on January 28th, 2012 By Brian Edwards | ACCUWEATHER
Alaskans have been experiencing the most brutal winter conditions of anybody in the United States this season. Thanks to cold being bottled up across the Northwest Territories and Alaska, the season has been chock full of snow, frigid temperatures, and plenty of ice fog to go around.
Read the full story at Accuweather.com.
By Editor, on January 28th, 2012 Public Information Release
The boring of 5 test holes was completed before noon today by Denali Drilling, to collect samples of materials in and around the slump area down to 40’. The material samples will be taken back to the lab for testing that will help provide information for the cause of the slope movement.
Survey points were completed today to daily track the amount, and direction of movement in and around the active area. Baseline numbers were collected and recorded for daily movement monitoring.
Local State DOT is making plans to cut out the hump and the bottom of the slide area as early as Monday. Until then, please use caution going over the hump near the intersection to Front Street, as it is getting pretty severe.
Next scheduled update will be Monday afternoon.
Command Center – 766‐2258 Roc Ahrens ~ Emergency Coordinator
DAILY Update Recording – 766‐2256
To view all updates: http://www.hainesborough.us/slopemovement.html
By Editor, on January 25th, 2012 Public Information Release
Denali Drilling from Anchorage began drilling test holes around noon today, starting on Ocean View Drive. They will be drilling a series of holes above and below the slump area to provide PND Geologists and Engineers with soil samples of the area. Borough Sewer & Water employees worked with PND engineers set up control stations to collect accurate measurements of the movement in the active slide zone, as well as data of the area above the “cracks” of the active portion of the slump. Work will continue Thursday & Friday, with a planned lane closure for drilling in Lutak Road on Friday morning.
The recent storm hindered the mechanical measurements of the movement over the last 24 hours, but the activity we could see where the snow was plowed out for the drilling crew appeared to be about the same; from 1 –2 inches.
Next update will be approx. 3 PM tomorrow.
Command Center – 766‐2258 Roc Ahrens ~ Emergency Coordinator
DAILY Update Recording – 766‐2256
By Editor, on January 25th, 2012  Image is from the NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory and shows the solar flare that erupted Sunday evening National Weather Service
The largest Solar Radiation Storm since October 2003 is occurring. NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center is reporting that a G1 Geomagnetic Storm and a S3 Solar Radiation Storm are in progress.
Impacts for this event include:
- Power Systems: Weak power fluctuations can occur
- Spacecraft Operations: Minor impact on satellite operations
- Other Systems: Migratory animals are affected
Aurora will be commonly visible at higher latitudes. Tips on viewing the Aurora are located here. Share your pictures of the Aurora on the Space Weather Prediction Center’s Facebook.
For additional information monitor the Space Weather Prediction Center.
By Editor, on January 25th, 2012 Public Information Release
Weather continues to plague efforts to get drill rig parts and transportation for engineers that are still trying to make it to town.
Monitoring of daily movement showed a slight increase in the rate we have been seeing, with a 4” crack in the Ocean View Drive road area, that is new from yesterday, and cracks re‐opening in Lutak Road that had been filled by DOT. We are anxious for the engineers and equipment to arrive that will help us collect more accurate data. Read more->
By Editor, on January 24th, 2012 Public Information Release:
HAINES–A core drilling contractor arrived in Haines over the week‐end and will begin drilling a series of bore holes in and around the slide area as soon as their equipment is ready to go. PND engineers, scheduled to arrive this afternoon, plan to install accurate measuring instruments that will help track daily movement. Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on January 19th, 2012  Mayor Stephanie Scott examines the fault along Ocean View Road, along with Water/Sewer Operator & Fire Chief, Scott Bradford. Haines has the attention of state officials and geologists today, as they try to determine the cause of subsiding land in the vicinity of Lutak Road and Ocean View. The sinking ground threatens a major highway, some residences in the area, and sewer and water lines that transit the area. Read more->
By Editor, on January 18th, 2012 Part of the Lutak Road in the vicinity of Ocean View Drive has settled several inches in the past few days, and state and borough investigators are trying to determine the cause so that corrective action can be taken. Meanwhile, drive carefully on the way to the ferry terminal–there are a couple of new bumps in the road.
The following update is from Haines Borough Manager Mark Earnest: Read more->
By Editor, on January 9th, 2012
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| Nate Beeler
The Columbus Dispatch
May 16, 2012
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Lynn Canal Map & Marine Traffic (refresh for current ship positions)
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Haines, Alaska 99827
Editor:
Roger L. Maynard
P.O. Box 784
Haines, Alaska 99827
editor@hainesnews.net
The Haines Alaska News is a public information service of the Alaska Alliance for Commerce, Inc., a grassroots movement organized to advocate for small business and a free market economy in Alaska.
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