Press Releases


 02/13/2012, DPS PR# 12-008

Avalanche Awareness: Are You Prepared?

(ANCHORAGE, Alaska) – With temperatures warming in Southcentral Alaska, the Department of Public Safety would like to remind outdoor enthusiast that the danger of Avalanches this time of year is a very real threat.

The North American Outdoor Institute provides free avalanche awareness classes in different locations throughout the state. The training is made possible by funds provided through the Department of Public Safety. You can check for training dates and locations, as well as register for classes, on the NOAI website at http://naoiak.org/cal-events.php

Steep slopes, heavy wet snow and relatively warm temperatures combine every year to create conditions that area conducive to avalanches, especially January through March. This year will be no different due to the recent heavy snowfall coupled with warmer weather. While avalanches are naturally occurring, most avalanches that either entrap or kill people are triggered by the people out recreating on the slopes.

Before heading out in the backcountry on your snowshoes, skies or snowmachines take a few crucial safety precautions:

Check the current avalanche conditions and weather forecasts as they can change daily:
Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center — http://www.cnfaic.org/
Avalanche Center — http://www.avalanche-center.org/Bulletins/
American Avalanche Association — http://www.avalanche.org/
Alaska Avalanche Information Center — http://www.alaskasnow.org/
City/Borough of Juneau Urban Avalanche Advisory — http://www.juneau.org/avalanche/
National Weather Service for the Alaska Region — http://www.arh.noaa.gov/

Leave a trip Plan: Make sure you leave detailed information regarding the location you are traveling, who you are with, planned activity, brief description of your gear (color, quantity, etc.) and planned return time.

Make sure you are properly equipped: At the very least have weather-appropriate clothing and carry avalanche beacons, shovels, probes and communication devices. Also make sure you know how to use the equipment you have with you. Don’t forget to test every person’s beacons in your group before embarking into the backcountry.

For more information on Avalanche Safety, click HERE.

PDF version of the release...
 02/06/2012, DPS PR# 12-007

Super Bowl Sunday Enforcement Statistics

(ANCHORAGE, Alaska) – The Super Bowl Sunday focused patrol effort has been concluded. Alaska State Troopers conducted enhanced patrols surrounding the football event to dissuade motorists from driving impaired. Troopers and local law enforcement agencies encourage motorists to continue making smart choices when getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.

During the enforcement effort, the Alaska State Troopers issued the following citations and charges:

  • 9 DUI arrests
  • 4 motorists charged with driving with a suspended or revoked license
  • 4 additional drivers reported as REDDI were contacted and ultimately determined not to be DUI
  • Of the 10 crashes investigated by troopers, 3 people were injured
  • Of the 54 citations issued, 6 were issued for speeding

These focused enforcements are designed to boost public awareness regarding the dangers and potential consequences of impaired driving. The Alaska State Troopers, as well as local law enforcement agencies, believe that high visibility enforcement will deter motorists from getting behind the wheel while impaired. It is the mission of the Alaska Bureau of Highway Patrol to bring the number of fatal and major injury collisions down to zero. These focused enforcement efforts are one of the ways AST is combating the issue.

Funding for the focused enforcement was provided in part by grant sources distributed through Alaska Highway Safety Office.

PDF version of the release...
  02/03/12, DPS PR# 12-006

Troopers Ramp Up Patrols for Super Bowl Sunday

(ANCHORAGE, Alaska) – As the big game airs statewide this Sunday, the Alaska State Troopers will conduct enforcement efforts to ensure the safety of Alaskan motorists. Local law enforcement agencies will also participate in the enhanced enforcement efforts on Super Bowl Sunday. The ramped up enforcement will mostly be focused on DUI enforcement for both alcohol and drugs.

Regardless of what your ultimate plans are for Super Bowl Sunday, Troopers encourage you to always practice safe driving behaviors on the roads while traveling to and from your destination. If you consume drugs or alcohol, plan to either stay the night or to have a sober driver take you home. Always have a plan to get home safely.

Troopers also encourage everyone to Report Every Dangerous Driver Immediately by calling 9-1-1.

Funding for the focused enforcement is coordinated through the Alaska Office of Highway Safety.

PDF version of the release...