At Alaska Rock Gym, the safety of our climbers, staff, and families is our top priority. With the potential eruption of Mount Spurr, we’ve developed an action plan to guide our response, and we will keep our community updated throughout any emergency.
The gym will close if the Municipality of Anchorage issues a warning about unsafe driving conditions due to volcanic ashfall. (A link to the official warning provided here!) Volcanic ash contains glass particles that are hazardous to vehicles and can create slippery road conditions—the gym will remain closed until the city addresses street safety.
If a volcanic event occurs while Youth Programs are in session, our staff will take the following steps:
—If safe, complete the ongoing session while the Youth Program Director and Assistant Youth Program Director manage parent communications.
—Modify or pause climbing activities if air quality becomes unsafe.
—Cancel remaining programs for the day.
—Notify families via Remind with updates and schedule changes.
—Escort climbers to their vehicles if necessary.
If you checked in within 1.5 hours before evacuation due to an eruption, you may request:
Before leaving, please provide your full name and DOB to a Front Desk staff member. Your refund will be processed by staff when conditions are safe.
The gym will reopen once roads are deemed safe by local authorities; an air purifier will be placed at the front entrance to reduce ash intake and the parking lot will be cleared of volcanic debris.
Once reopened, Alaska Rock Gym will:
—Keep all youth participants and staff indoors.
—Close all windows, doors, and ventilation systems to minimize ash exposure.
—Ensure a fully stocked first aid kit is available, including supplies for respiratory distress and eye irritation.
—Parent/Guardian Updates: We will immediately notify families of an ashfall event. If there are any health concerns with your child you will be immediately notified.
—General Public: If you’re in the gym at the time of the event you will be immediately notified and evacuated. We will continually update our customers via our website.
For further updates during an ongoing emergency, please check our social media channels.
—Your safety is our priority.—
At Alaska Rock Gym, we are committed to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all staff, climbers, and visitors. In the event of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity, we have established the following protocol to protect our community and ensure the correct legal procedures are followed. Know your rights!
We will…
We will…
Not Sign Any Documents Without Legal Counsel – Employees and visitors have the right to remain silent and request an attorney.
Inform the Individual of Their Rights – They have the right to:
We will…
We believe in protecting our community—legal rights matter. Everyone at Alaska Rock Gym deserves a safe space, and we are committed to upholding the rights of our staff and climbers.
For questions about this protocol, please contact gym management via info@alaskarockgym.com.