Forecasters say backcountry avalanche danger is HIGH, with very dangerous conditions expected across the Western Chugach and Kenai Mountains.

Due to rain and freezing conditions that are creating hazardous travel across the region.

The Soldotna City Council unanimously approved an ordinance on Wednesday, updating multiple sections of city code related to budgeting, financial controls, procurement, and the administration of the city’s short-term lodging tax.

Alaska ranks 9th among the 50 states for the financial costs associated with smoking.

The discussion comes amid heightened attention to Greenland’s strategic importance and comments by administration officials that raised concerns among U.S. allies.

Two major energy developments announced this month place the Kenai Peninsula at the center of Southcentral Alaska’s long-term natural gas strategy, as utilities move to address tightening Cook Inlet gas supplies and growing winter demand.

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for parts of the Kenai Peninsula from 3 a.m. Thursday through 3 p.m. Friday, as mixed precipitation is expected to create hazardous travel conditions.

The National Weather Service says the watch will be in effect from 9 a.m. Thursday through Friday afternoon.

A Special Avalanche Bulletin has been issued for large portions of Southcentral Alaska, including the Interior Kenai Peninsula and southern Kenai Mountains, as forecasters warn of extremely dangerous backcountry conditions.

Three general board positions on each of the Citizen Advisory Boards (Seward, Kachemak Bay, and the Kenai River Special Management Area) are vacant, totaling nine positions.