Anchorage Dome temporarily closed for snow removal

The Dome was closed Tuesday, canceling sports events and practices, while crews removed snow from the roof of the inflatable structure.

The Anchorage indoor sports facility reopened in January, one year after heavy snow caused the facility's roof to collapse.

Tuesday's closure wasn't due to any structural danger, said board member Alice Federenko.

"Everything is perfectly fine," Federenko said. "But with the events of the past, we decided to take an abundance of caution."

The newly reopened Dome has two new sections of roof fabric that have been replaced since the structure deflated in January 2017.

Crews were on the roof Tuesday shoveling snow and ice — which can build up and weigh down the structure — as part of routine winter maintenance, she said.

Managers were concerned that snow or ice could slide off the roof onto people or cars while the shoveling is happening, she said.

The Dome will reopen "as soon as the shoveling is done," she said.

"We're hoping for (Wednesday)."