Juneau and the Alaska panhandle are preparing for additional snowfall this week, following a period of significant snowfall that set new records in December. Communities across the region are forecast to receive new accumulations beginning Monday, prompting school and office closures. Recovery efforts are underway from impacts caused by previous snow, which include structural damage, marine incidents, and logistical challenges for snow removal.
Current Weather Outlook and Closures
New snowfall is anticipated for Juneau and the Alaska panhandle, with communities from Elfin Cove to Juneau projected to receive between 5 and 13 inches of snow on Monday. The highest intensity of snowfall is expected from mid-morning through the afternoon. Later on Monday, a transition to rain or a rain and snow mixture is possible, with a return to snow forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday. National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist Greg Spann indicated that variable precipitation patterns make precise accumulation predictions challenging for Tuesday and Wednesday. This new snow event is not expected to match the overall volume of last week's previous snowfall. Light snow showers are anticipated to persist later in the week, with potential for another snow-producing system.
In response to the forecast, the Juneau School District announced school closures for Monday. City and state offices in Juneau also remained closed, and the University of Alaska Southeast campus transitioned to remote operations for the day.
Previous Snowfall Event and Records
The region experienced a substantial snowstorm last week, which deposited approximately 4 feet (48 inches) of snow in Juneau over four days. Juneau International Airport recorded over 80 inches of snow in December, establishing a new record for Juneau's snowiest December and ranking as the city's second snowiest month on record. The extensive accumulation has created logistical challenges for snow removal and storage, according to City Manager Katie Koester.
Impacts and Damages
The previous snowfall led to multiple disruptions and damages across the city:
- Businesses and Structures:
- Fred Meyer's Juneau store temporarily closed for snow removal, and its gas station ceased operations following a partial awning collapse. A reopening timeline for the grocery store has not been determined.
- The roof of the Juneau Shotokan Karate dojo in the Mendenhall Valley collapsed on Wednesday morning. No individuals were reported inside the building at the time.
- Marine Incidents:
- At least nine vessels and multiple boat shelters sank in Juneau’s harbors.
- Infrastructure:
- The Alaska Department of Transportation reopened Thane Road on New Year’s Day after conducting avalanche mitigation.
- Authorities have indicated that avalanche danger levels remain high in areas located below Mount Juneau.
Community Response and Advisories
City docks and harbors staff are responding to incident reports regarding sunken vessels. Harbormaster Matt Creswell stated that the recovery of sunken vessels is anticipated to be a multi-week operation. Residents have been advised to exercise caution during travel and to clear any snow-covered fire hydrants. Vessel owners have been urged to inspect their boats.