Not one, but two roof avalanches caught on home security camera in Willow

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - When Shandra Lounsbury returned home in Willow Tuesday after running errands, she found a new mound of snow next to the house. The security camera revealed where the snow came from: a roof avalanche dropping 4 to 6 feet of snow all at once right next to the house.

Then Wednesday, it happened again, on the other side of the house. This time also causing damage to her and Andrew Knowles’ home, knocking out power, and potentially causing a gas leak.

Knowles says he’s thankful his fiancee, Lounsbury, and their dogs weren’t home during the potentially lethal snow slides. He was also away at the time, but now has not only snow to clear, but damage to repair. This is their first winter living in Willow.

This avalanche serves as a reminder that roof avalanches can and do happen — and they can be deadly. At least three people have reportedly died in similar situations in just Alaska alone.

This time of year, as temperatures warm, the snow becomes unstable and easily slides. It’s important to stay alert when walking next to or under roof lines.

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