Alaska's capital Juneau on high alert after avalanches

April 1 (UPI) -- Officials in Alaska are on high alert after a series of avalanches in the capital city of Juneau sent walls of snow tumbling close to homes.

City officials said there will be "very dangerous avalanche conditions" through Sunday, with "natural avalanches likely; human-triggered avalanches very likely." At least three avalanches have hit in the past five weeks. No one has been injured.

Southeast Alaska Avalanche Center director Tom Mattice, said danger was increased due to a weak layer of snow, recent precipitation and warming temperatures near 40 degrees. He urged residents to avoid hiking in avalanche-prone areas including the Flume Trail and gated areas above the Behrends neighborhood.

An avalanche on Friday came dangerously close to homes. Local authorities said at least 62 houses and a hotel are in prime avalanche territory.