Travel to Valdez Questionable

[Daveinthebush]

If you are thinking of coming don't, call DOT first. Reports (rumor) is that the 37 mile bridge is out. One bridge in the canyon is out. It will take 2-3 days before they can evaluate the damage. Numerous slides have closed the road from 12 - 36 mile. Water is over the Richardson at 6 mile and only large road clearence vehicles can get through. Dayville Road is closed completely. Many homes are being pumped out and it is still raining.

 

[roach hunter]

Glad I don't live there. What a nightmare!!!

 

[Badger Matt]

...and you?

...and you?

...and how's your cabin doing, Dave? That creek causing you any trouble?

 

[Daveinthebush]

Haven't been home.

Haven't been home.

Of course school is open so I have not been home or know if I can get there.

PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE VALDEZ AK
142 AM ADT TUE OCT 10 2006

...THE RAINIEST DAY EVER RECORDED FOR THE CITY OF VALDEZ...

VALDEZ HAS SET YET ANOTHER DAILY RAINFALL RECORD FOR THE MONTH OF
OCTOBER. AS OF 1159 OCTOBER 9 2006 AST...4.80 INCHES HAD FALLEN
AT THE NWS OFFICE VALDEZ. THE PREVIOUS RECORD OF 2.10 INCHES...SET
BACK IN 1993...WAS OBLITERATED WITH TODAYS RAINS. TODAYS RECORD
WAS NOT ONLY THE HIGHEST RAIN EVER RECORDED FOR OCTOBER IN VALDEZ...
BUT ALSO THE HIGHEST VALUE EVER RECORDED IN A SINGLE DAY FOR VALDEZ
SINCE THE NWS STARTED KEEPING RECORDS. THE PREVIOUS DAILY RECORD
FOR VALDEZ WAS SET DECEMBER 22 1999 AT 4.06 INCHES.

RAIN CONTINUES TO FALL OVER THE VALDEZ AREA...AND MODERATE RAIN IS
EXPECTED TO CONTINUE AT LEAST THROUGH MIDDAY TUESDAY...FLOODING WILL
BE A CONTINUING CONCERN FOR THE AREA. USE EXTREME CAUTION WHILE
TRAVELING TONIGHT INTO TUESDAY MORNING...ESPECIALLY OUT TOWARD MILE
MARKER 10 THROUGH KEYSTONE CANYON AS SPOTTER REPORTS IN THAT AREA
HAVE REPORTED ROCK SLIDES AS WELL AS WATER CASCADING ONTO THE
CENTER OF RICHARDSON HIGHWAY. ALREADY...WATER IS THREATENING THE
ALLISON CREEK BRIDGE ON THE VALDEZ MARINE TERMINAL HIGHWAY TO THE
ALYESKA OIL TERMINAL. MORE SIMILAR FLOODING CAN BE EXPECTED WITH
THE RAINFALL CONTINUING THROUGH TUESDAY.

 

[Blink]

Godd luck Dave, I hope you and everybody else makes it through OK with little to no damage.

 

[Daveinthebush]

Valdez

Valdez

The canyon at Valdez is so bad that DOT can not get in there for 4-5 days to evaluate the damage. One bridge is supposed to be five feet off its foundation. Slides are covering the road. Water seems to be going down. I worked with the fire department until 10 PM using my truck to haul sand bags and crews around. Think we saved a few homes. The Alpine Woods subdivision has most been evacuated and the junior high is set up as a diaster center for those in need.

I need some Moltren and a hot shower.

 

[Hoosierhunter]

Wow

Wow

Dave, My cousin lives in Valdez hope the both of you and your homes come out in good shape!! HH

 

[mod elan]

Keystone Canyon

Keystone Canyon

Lowe River yesterday.

 

[mod elan]

More

More

Couple more.

 

[makalutoo]

thanks for posting those pics. the waterfalls are real nice till you see the road. here is a link to to some shots from the air.
http://www.telemarktalk.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=24565&start=90

 

[cut\emjack]

Valdez is wonderful place. I feel bad for the folks that are stuck down there but am thankful for a wonderful Fire department that is dedicated to helping people in need. Good luck Valdez hang in there!

 

[makalutoo]

Valdez DOT told me that the road would be open at 10am friday for daylight travel only. Expect up to 2 hour delays and very slow travel as much of the surface is gravel. She said to expect 24 hour travel on starting monday(but it didn't sound like monday was set in stone).

 

[Daveinthebush]

Busy

Busy

The road in front of the house has been very busy with trucks hauling blast rock to the canyon. Someone is collecting a lot of overtime. I do believe it will be open soon as a gravel road. Might be a little slow all winter but at least it will be open.