Record-breaking snowfall in Juneau, Alaska, has triggered a major crisis, overwhelming local resources and infrastructure. The historic 82 inches of snow shattered previous records, leading to extreme conditions that have caused eight vessels to sink in the harbor and created dangerous avalanche threats, forcing the closure of key roadways. This extreme weather event is severely straining emergency crews and exposing significant vulnerabilities in the region’s winter preparedness.
Story Highlights
- Juneau shattered December snowfall records with 82 inches, nearly double the typical 40-50 inches
- Eight vessels have sunk in the harbor due to snow weight, with three large boats going down overnight
- Local harbor crews are running out of de-watering pumps and emergency resources
- Alaska DOT closed Thane Road for avalanche hazard reduction amid dangerous conditions
Historic Snowfall Overwhelms Juneau Infrastructure
Juneau experienced its most severe December snowfall on record, accumulating 82 inches throughout the month and surpassing the previous 1964 record of 54.7 inches. This extreme weather event represents nearly double the typical December snowfall of 40-50 inches. The National Weather Service confirmed these totals approach the all-time monthly record of 86.3 inches set in February 1965, highlighting the unprecedented nature of current conditions.
Harbor Crisis as Vessels Succumb to Snow Weight
The massive snow accumulation caused eight vessels to sink in Juneau’s harbor, with three large boats going down overnight in the most recent incidents. The City and Borough of Juneau Docks and Harbors Department reported their crews are operating around-the-clock using every available de-watering pump. Officials stated they are rapidly running out of resources as dangerous conditions persist, forcing emergency hiring of summer staff for snow removal operations.
The U.S. Coast Guard Arctic District warned that heavy snow quickly reduces vessel stability, creating risks for property damage and environmental pollution. Harbor officials urge boat owners to remove snow from their vessels and floats immediately, providing a hotline at 907-586-5255 for reporting at-risk vessels. The weight of accumulated snow on floats and finger floats presents ongoing dangers to maritime infrastructure throughout the harbor system.
Avalanche Threats Force Road Closures
Alaska Department of Transportation conducted avalanche hazard reduction operations above Thane Road, closing access at avalanche gates until conditions improve. DOT officials warned the road could remain closed for extended periods if debris reaches the roadway. The combination of record snowfall and steep terrain above the roadway creates extreme avalanche risks that threaten both vehicle traffic and nearby infrastructure.
Resource Strain Highlights Infrastructure Vulnerabilities
The crisis exposes significant vulnerabilities in Alaska’s infrastructure when facing extreme weather events. Harbor operations face complete disruption while crews struggle with depleted equipment and emergency staffing shortages. Economic impacts include substantial vessel losses, emergency hiring costs, and ongoing infrastructure response expenses that strain local government resources.
This weather emergency demonstrates how rapidly extreme conditions can overwhelm local preparedness, creating cascading effects across maritime operations and transportation networks. The situation reinforces the critical need for robust snow management protocols and adequate emergency resources in coastal Alaskan communities facing increasingly severe winter weather patterns.
Watch the report: Juneau sees ~100% of annual snowfall in the month of December
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Chance of avalanche after heavy snow slams Alaska, causing sunken boats in Juneau harbor
Juneau deals with avalanche risks after record-breaking snowfall
80 inches of snow in Juneau, Alaska, smashes record, sinks boats