Severe Winter Weather Burdens Juneau, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska, is grappling with the aftermath of an unprecedented winter storm that has deposited over four feet of snow in just a few days. This extreme weather has led to significant disruptions, including the temporary closure of local businesses such as Fred Meyer, which halted operations to facilitate snow removal. Tiffany Sanders, a spokesperson for Fred Meyer, stated, “Our Juneau Fred Meyer is temporarily closed to allow for snow removal and will reopen as soon as possible.” The Fred Meyer gas station also closed due to part of its awning collapsing under the snow's weight.

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The storm has caused severe damage across the city, including the collapse of the roof of the Juneau Shotokan Karate dojo, although no injuries were reported. Additionally, at least nine vessels have sunk in Juneau's harbors, with city officials noting that the situation is dire. Harbormaster Matt Creswell indicated that the recovery process for the sunken boats would be extensive, stating, “It’s going to be a long process with the number of boats that are currently sunk.”

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The Alaska Department of Transportation has been actively engaged in avalanche mitigation efforts, particularly along Thane Road, which was closed to prevent potential hazards. The National Weather Service reported that December 2025 is now the snowiest December on record for Juneau, surpassing previous records with a total of 82 inches of snow. This heavy accumulation has raised avalanche warnings in various neighborhoods, prompting officials to advise residents to remain vigilant and prepared for rapid changes in conditions.

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City Manager Katie Koester highlighted the challenges of snow removal, stating, “The snow removal process takes a long time because we basically have to either, with snowblowers or loaders, load all that snow into dump trucks and take it away.” The city is facing difficulties in managing snow storage due to the sheer volume of snow.

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As the city continues to dig out from the snow, local officials are urging boat owners to check their vessels and clear snow to prevent further sinkings. The Juneau Docks and Harbors Department has called for community cooperation, emphasizing the importance of monitoring boats at risk of sinking.

Heavy snow and extreme weather cause sunken vessels and avalanche risk in Alaska

Looking ahead, temperatures are expected to drop over the weekend, and meteorologists are tracking another potential storm system that could bring additional snowfall. Grant Smith, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, noted, “We’re watching another storm system that could arrive late this weekend or early next week.” This ongoing weather pattern raises concerns for the community as they navigate the challenges posed by extreme winter conditions.

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City officials have been proactive in addressing the severe weather impacts, with the Juneau Police Department maintaining essential services despite facility closures. Airport Manager Andrés Delgado Márquez confirmed that crews have been working tirelessly to clear snow at Juneau International Airport, which temporarily closed its runway due to hazardous conditions.

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Some residents have expressed frustration over the city's preparedness for such extreme weather events, questioning whether adequate measures were in place to handle the unprecedented snowfall. The rapid accumulation of snow has led to a series of safety warnings and closures, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure and emergency response strategies in the face of climate-related challenges.

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• “It’s going to be a long process with the number of boats that are currently sunk, but staff are ready for that challenge,” — Matt Creswell, Harbormaster

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• “Our Juneau Fred Meyer is temporarily closed to allow for snow removal and will reopen as soon as possible,” — Tiffany Sanders, Fred Meyer Spokesperson

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• “This is not a normal storm,” — Juneau Docks and Harbors Department

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As Juneau continues to recover from this historic snowfall, the community remains on alert for further weather developments and the ongoing challenges of snow management.

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