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The LEO Network is a worldwide network of observers and experts that share their observations of environmental change.
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Observations

Significant flooding impacts areas around the Inland Northwest after weekend snowmelt
Flooding caused by rapid snowmelt and rain in the Inland Northwest led to multiple road closures and forced highway maintenance crews to pump water off major roadways.
Spokane, Washington, United States
Spokesman.com

2025 Fur Rondy kicks off amid low snow winter
The 90th annual Fur Rendezvous Festival kicked off Thursday around Anchorage and is expected to feature its traditional late-winter celebration, despite a winter season marred by low snowfall.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States

Fur Rendezvous is here, but the snow is a no-show
Anchorage starts the Fur Rendezvous Festival with only a trace of snow on the ground under unexpectedly mild winter conditions, although dump trucks delivered snow to the racecourse for event activities.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
KTUU

Ice unexpectedly departs from Nome's shore
On February 10-11, 2025, unusually mild weather in Nome led to shorefast ice breaking free from the coastline, leaving deep blue water visible where ice had long persisted.
Nome, Alaska, United States
KNOM Radio Mission

In shocking first, sea ice breaks off in mid-February
In February 2025, unexpectedly weak sea ice broke off near Nome, Alaska, marking the first recorded early detachment of shorefast ice. Local subsistence hunters and climate specialists warn the event could disrupt the regional ecosystem and traditional hunting practices.
Nome, Alaska, United States
The Nome Nugget

Poor snow cover cancels Ski for Women
Due to a diminished snowpack on the central Kenai Peninsula, the Ski for Women event at Tsalteshi Trails near Soldotna, Alaska has been canceled, though organizers remain hopeful about the upcoming Tour of Tsalteshi.
Soldotna, Alaska, United States
Peninsula Clarion

‘He could have died’: Pro snowboarder left frustrated with rescue process after avalanche swept friend away
A professional snowboarder criticized the prolonged five‐hour rescue effort after an avalanche swept a backcountry skier down a mountain, cautioning that every minute matters in life‐or‐death situations.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
KTVA

Car plunges through thin sea ice as driver was headed to fish
A driver lost direction in foggy conditions and accidentally drove onto thin sea ice near Vaasa, Finland, but escaped unharmed. Sea ice conditions have been particularly difficult this winter, due to alternating periods of severe cold and milder temperatures which have made the ice weak and unpredictable.
Vaasa, Ostrobothnia, Finland
Yle News

Person Missing After Vehicle Breaks Through Ice on Yukon's Lake Laberge
A person is missing after a vehicle fell through the ice on Lake Laberge in Yukon. Two others managed to escape.
Lake Laberge, Yukon, Canada
CBC News

Multiple Southcentral ski areas closed over the weekend citing weather
Unusual weather conditions, including warming temperatures and increased rainfall, forced multiple Southcentral Alaska ski areas to close, while others faced high winds and heavy snow, highlighting a challenging winter for ski operations and backcountry travel.
Palmer, Alaska, United States

Rain leads to hazardous road conditions across Fairbanks
Warm temperatures and rain have created hazardous road conditions in Fairbanks, leading to collisions and travel disruptions.
Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Warm winter weather wears down Interior Alaska
Warm winter weather and rain in Alaska triggered avalanches and hazardous roads, with the Parks Highway being closed due to avalanche debris near Cantwell.
Cantwell, Alaska, United States
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Low snowpack, heavy precipitation for Y-K Delta so far this year
The Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta is experiencing unusually low snowpack and heavy rainfall, with temperatures significantly above normal for January, raising concerns about potential impacts such as increased wildfire risk and infrastructure challenges.
Bethel, Alaska, United States
KYUK

Hatcher Pass Road closed at mile 14 due to high avalanche danger
Hatcher Pass Road is closed at mile 14 due to high avalanche danger from heavy wet snow, with closures expected to last into the weekend, affecting snowmachining trails and Hatcher Pass Lodge.
Hatcher Pass, Alaska, United States
Alaska's News Source

The Iditarod is evaluating alternate race routes because of poor trail conditions
Organizers say they will determine by Feb. 3 whether it’s feasible to run the traditional southern route.
Nome, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Kuskokwim 300 delayed 2 weeks due to low snow and warm temperatures
The 2025 Kuskokwim 300 sled dog race has been delayed by two weeks due to unusually low snowfall and warm temperatures, making it difficult to ensure safe trail conditions. This extended delay is rare in the race's 46-year history, typically only postponed for a day or two.
Bethel, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

Luleå: A Sheet of Ice – Bus Driver Mats: 'Freshly Polished Hockey Rink'
Unusually rapid warming and sleet in Lule, Sweden, created extremely icy conditions, leading to the suspension of bus services and a yellow warning for sudden ice, as temperatures rose from -12 to -1 degrees Celsius.
Luleå, Norrbotten, Sweden
SVT Nyheter

Anchor River floods again
The Anchor River in Alaska has flooded again due to an ice dam, marking the worst flooding in recent history and prompting road closures and infrastructure concerns. This is the second such incident in a month, highlighting an unusual increase in flooding events this year.
Anchor Point, Alaska, United States
Peninsula Clarion

Slippery Monday Across Much of the Country
A sudden change in weather has resulted in challenging driving conditions across Norway, with red warnings issued for parts of the country due to the risk of avalanches and other hazards.
Norway
NRK

Warm Weather Leads to Wet and Slippery Conditions Across Iceland
Unseasonably warm weather in Iceland is causing melting snow and thawing ice, leading to wet and slippery conditions, with yellow weather warnings issued for parts of the country.
Iceland
Iceland Review

No white Christmas for Nome and the region
Nome experienced an unusual snowless Christmas despite not having a dry December, with rain replacing snow and creating icy conditions that hinder traditional winter activities and local events.
The Nome Nugget

Extremely Low Extent of Sea Ice
The article reports extremely low sea ice measurements in the Arctic for January, with notable figures from both the Arctic and Southern Hemisphere.
Svalbard, Arctic, Norway
High North News

Strong winds, ice cause power outage in Umiujaq
A severe weather event featuring strong winds and ice accumulation caused a power outage for 73 customers in Umiujaq, Quebec on December 30, 2024. The remote community relies on Hydro-Québec's off-grid system, and while power was restored by December 31, the airport terminal remains reliant on a backup generator.
Umiujaq, Quebec, Canada
Nunatsiaq News

Self-sustaining soil cavity hole
A small soil cavity in the UAF North Campus boreal forest remains open all winter, maintaining a steady temperature and emitting high CO2 levels, which is unusual for its self-sustaining nature and potential implications for permafrost research.
Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
Vladimir Romanovsky, Leanne Bulger, Anna Liljedahl , Alexander Kholodov

Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, without power most of Christmas Day
Rankin Inlet in Nunavut experienced a power outage on Christmas Day due to snow and freezing rain causing ice accumulation on power lines, disrupting local services.
Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, Canada
CBC News

Kuskokwim River ice still a work in progress, aerial survey finds
An aerial survey of the Kuskokwim River revealed variable ice conditions, impacting travel safety as the winter progresses.
Akiak, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

Supercooled rain in Fredrikstad: Dozens of pedestrians slipped on the ice
In Fredrikstad, a change in weather led to treacherous conditions for pedestrians, resulting in dozens of falls due to supercooled rain creating extremely slippery surfaces. Hospitals have reported a surge in related injuries.
Fredrikstad, Østfold, Norway
NRK Østfold

Ice causes cancellations and delays in Nome
Icy conditions in Nome, Alaska, caused numerous organizational closures and delays on December 10, affecting schools, preschools, and local corporations.
KNOM Radio Mission

Not-so-snowy start to winter casts a gloomy shadow over Lapland tourism
A lack of snow in Finland's far north has disappointed tourists and snowmobile safari operators alike.
Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
News

Icy roads close Su Valley schools after high winds cause outages in Anchorage and Mat-Su
Schools in Susitna Valley were closed due to icy roads after high winds caused power outages in Anchorage and Mat-Su. Winds reached over 40 mph, with higher gusts reported in some areas.
Anchorage Daily News

Rain in December
Unusually warm weather in early December 2024 has led to rain in Anchorage, Alaska, marking the most December rainfall since 2018, driven by a warm air surge from the eastern Pacific.

Anchorage and some Mat-Su schools shift to remote learning as rain coats roads in ice
In Anchorage and Mat-Su, schools shifted to remote learning due to dangerous icy road conditions caused by freezing rain, leading to transportation disruptions and multiple accidents.
Anchorage Daily News

Cottage country digging out after massive snowfall but challenges persist
Residents and crews in Muskoka face significant challenges following a snowstorm that deposited over 140 cm of snow, necessitating extra snow-clearing efforts and states of emergency.
Muskoka, Ontario, Canada
CTV News

Russia reports the snowiest winter in the last decades
The current winter can be classified as abnormal and the snowiest in recent decades, the scientific director of the Russian Hydrometeorological Center, Roman Vilfand.
Moscow, Moscow, Russia
Prensa Latina - Latin American News Agency

El Niño effects around Great Slave Lake made for 'spring-like' December in Łútsël K'é, N.W.T.
El Nino and climate change led to an unusually warm December in Łutsël, N.W.T., affecting Christmas plans and ice-related activities due to Great Slave Lake not freezing over as expected.
Great Slave Lake, Northwest Territories, Canada
CBC

'You just want to give up': Pond Inlet hunter swam to qamutik after snowmobile sank through ice
A young Nunavummiut hunter, who's known for providing country food to his community, fell through the ice in late December on a snowmobile route he'd safely traveled just weeks before.
Pond Inlet, Nunavut, Canada
CBC

A million households have lost power so far as major winter storm blasts the U.S.
A major winter storm is continuing to bring heavy snow, blizzard conditions and significant ice from California to the Northeast on Thursday.
United States
Alaska Public Media

Lack of snow, warmer weather creating shorter snowmobile season in New Hampshire
It has been a rough winter season for many outdoor activities in New Hampshire, but a below-average snowpack is hitting the snowmobile industry especially hard.
North Conway, New Hampshire, United States
WMUR

French tourist came to Yukon for a 'real Canadian winter,' and fell through the ice
A French tourist in Whitehorse somehow defied the odds last week when she fell through thin ice into a lake, several times, and still managed to pull herself out of the water to safety, unharmed.
Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
CBC

Survived traveling 200 meters in an ice slush flood
"Just when I get into the machine, I just manage to sit in the seat and then the body of the excavator fills with slush and presses me against the window and then presses the whole machine off the road into the valley."
Bakfjorden, Måsøy, Troms and Finnmark County, Norway
RÚV

Fluctuating Juneau weather set the stage for an avalanche at Eaglecrest
The upper mountain at Eaglecrest Ski Area in Juneau was closed on Friday following a large avalanche Thursday morning. No one was hurt.
Juneau, Alaska, United States

Polar bear fatally mauls woman and boy in Northwest Alaska village
A Wales resident shot and killed the bear. With the loss of sea ice and the ocean staying open later in the year, polar bears have been spending more time on land, which increases the chance of human encounters.
Wales, Alaska, United States

Weekend rains spur flooding; water levels at 25-year highs in some areas
The last time the water levels were this high in some places was in the late 1990s or early 2000s. According to the Finnish Environment Institute (Syke), floodwaters will likely spill onto fields and roads in parts of southern and western Finland, but not into buildings.
Finland
News

Slow start to the N.W.T. winter road season, as delays abound
The opening of the famed Dettah ice road, a six-kilometre route that cuts across Yellowknife Bay, is typically opened on Dec, 24, according to a 20-year average. Yet a week-and-a-half later, there's still no word on when it will be operational.
Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Canada

Utqiagvik reaches record high 40˚F in December
The lack of winter sea ice is keeping temperatures warm. Climatologist Rick Thoman says it's a "very clear climate change signal."
Utqiaġvik, Alaska, United States
Kavitha George, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage

No sea ice in Grantley Harbor
December should have sea ice development in Norton Sound. But no sign of ice yet this year. Several storms have moved northward across the western Bering Sea and brought strong winds and bouts of above freezing weather to the Teller area and all of the Bering Strait region.
Teller, Alaska, United States
Richard L Thoman Jr, Kendra Lee, Anahma Shannon, Austin Ahmasuk, Kitrea P Takata-Glushkoff, Hajo Eicken

Arctic sea ice reached its maximum extent at a near-record early date
The melt season for Arctic sea ice is underway after the annual maximum extent was reached late last month. Sea ice extent reached its annual maximum on Feb. 25, 15 days earlier than the 1981-2010 average date and one of the earliest dates for that milestone in the four-decade satellite record.
Saint Paul, Alaska, United States
ArcticToday

Bering Sea ice reaches St. Paul for a week, now recedes north
The main Bering Sea ice pack has begun its retreat to the north after extending to the Pribilofs earlier this month. This winter’s freeze-up has been reminiscent of more historical sea ice conditions.
Pribilof Islands
KNOM Radio Mission

Extreme Weather Across Iceland Causes Power Outages and Damage
A winter storm caused power outages and property damage across Iceland. Winds reached speeds of 40 meters per second (89 mph) in the Southwest region, though precipitation was less than forecasted. See related article: A total of ten waves of 25 meters high and four waves over 30 meters high were recorded. A 40 m wave was the highest recorded since 1990.
Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland
Iceland Review

Team of biologists makes daring rescue of loons trapped in iced-in waters
The openings were left after ice-in started during a cold snap, but didn’t quite finish in the deepest parts of the lake, about a quarter of a mile off shore. The two loons were stuck and unable to take off, because common loons require a water “runway” to push off and get airborne. Farther up the lake, three other loons were stuck in similar fashion.
Lovell, Maine, United States
Press Herald

Freeze up on Lower Kenai River
Cold on the Peninsula! Cabin owner on Kenai River near Soldotna says they have not seen it frozen like this in years.
Funny River, Alaska, United States

Yakutat declares disaster as hazardous winter weather hits Southeast Alaska
With millions of dollars in damage to a new health clinic and imperiled infrastructure, the borough is requesting help from the National Guard. Yakutat has seen up to 6 feet of snow in recent weeks and a rare cold snap that pushed temperatures below zero.
Yakutat, Alaska, United States

Dunleavy issues disaster declaration for Interior Alaska and Mat-Su storms
Extreme winds and cold temperatures have affected the areas. At one point over the weekend, 20,000 households in Mat-Su lost power.
Palmer, Alaska, United States

Challenging pastures for reindeer: Difficult conditions in Nordland and Troms, grazing crisis in Indre Finnmark
Changing weather with a lot of snow, rain and strong frost with icing, has made it difficult for the reindeer to reach lichen and moss on the ground in Nordland.
Indre Finnmark, Troms og Finnmark Fylke, Norway
NRK

Unexpected Warm Weather in December
Spring like thaw a week after winter begins: During the 3 days it got warm and the water going its usual route as it does in the spring when it thaws out, but this was a week after winter began.
Anvik, Alaska, United States

‘This new snow has no name’: Sami reindeer herders face climate disaster
“This new snow has no name,” said Lars-Anders Kuhmunen, a reindeer herder from Kiruna, Sweden’s northernmost town, near the Norwegian border. “I don’t know what it is. It is like early tjaevi, which normally comes in March. The winters are warmer now and there is rain, making the ground icy. The snow on top is very bad snow and the reindeer can’t dig for their food.”
Bjurholm, Västerbotten, Sweden
The Guardian

Wind gusts in Northwest Alaska pushed away sea ice, caused power outages
Extremely high winds blew over Northwest Alaska this weekend, pushing away ice cover and cutting power in some communities. The storm is expected to be 100 miles west of Utqiagvik by 3 a.m. on Tuesday morning and continue to weaken and drift north after that.
Kivalina, Alaska, United States
Arctic Sounder

Juneau officials recommend residential evacuations, warning of dangerous ‘historic avalanches’
Juneau’s urban avalanche forecast describes “extreme” danger Saturday evening. Centennial Hall will open as an emergency shelter at 8 p.m. Saturday.
Juneau, Alaska, United States

Record Snowfall Blankets Russia
A snowpocalypse has engulfed Russia in recent days, with various regions and cities struggling to deal with the freak weather.
Moscow, Moscow, Russia
The Moscow Times

Abnormally large area is at risk of more avalanches, and they may come as a surprise
Ever since the first major snowfall this year, there have been warnings of avalanche danger in northern Norway. However, the recent cold period makes the area extra exposed. The avalanche that seriously injured a man on Kistrand was a "slippery avalanche", which differs relatively distinctly from an "ordinary" avalanche.
Kistrand, Bodø, Norway
NRK

Here, huge amounts of ice are pushing towards the campsite
Rainfall and heavy temperatures caused huge amounts of ice to threaten to leave houses and caravans at Breim in Nordfjord.
Byrkjelo, Vestland, Norway
Geir Bjarte Hjetland, Per Kristian Grimeland

Lack of sea ice in the Gulf of St. Lawrence means more seals on shore
Record-low levels of sea ice cover in the Gulf of St. Lawrence means a greater number of seals are coming on shore and are more likely to interact with humans.
Cape Breton, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick, Canada

Groundwater levels bounce back after more rain and snow
More rain and a blanket of snow in recent months has helped Sweden's groundwater levels recover significantly after dropping in several parts of the country.
Sweden
Radio Sweden

Record-low ice levels found in Gulf of St. Lawrence
This year's seasonal ice cover is the lowest in its 51-year recorded history say forecasters with the Canadian Ice Service.
Gulf of St. Lawrence

Cars buried overnight in huge snow drifts near Buckie
Vehicles were trapped as gale-force winds carried mud-coloured waves of snow onto the A98 near Buckie. Snow ploughs were used to try and clear the stretch, close to its junction with the B9016, but were unable to make it through and the road remains closed.
Buckie, Scotland, United Kingdom
BBC News

Frosty morning temperatures smash 13 records across Saskatchewan on Thursday
It was a record-breaking Thursday morning in a number of Saskatchewan communities due to an arctic ridge of high pressure.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Global News

Snow and plunging temperatures for Scotland
The forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday comes amid wintry weather dubbed the Beast from the East II. Deep drifts of snow blocking the Banchory to Fettercairn road at Cairn Mount in Aberdeenshire.
Golspie, Scotland, United Kingdom
BBC News

Photographer shares eerie sounds skating on newly-formed ice
Alexey Kolganov films himself skating on transparent ice of lake Baikal, as new cracks form under his skates. Most surprising is the unexpected, cosmic sound.
Lake Baikal
Siberian Times

Major winter storm blasts Cape Breton
Cape Breton finally looks like a winter wonderland. A quick-moving storm that raced across Atlantic Canada dropped about 37 cm of snow over the Sydney area.
Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
The Telegram

Closed ski resorts have best snow in years
Andy Meldrum, of Glencoe Mountain, said his business is working towards a date when they can welcome back skiers and snowboarders. Despite the most magnificent conditions in 11 years, the slopes remain closed because of lockdown.
Aviemore, Scotland, United Kingdom
BBC News

Pipes and sewers are freezing because of the cold
The cold and dry weather continues without relief. At Nordnes in Saltdal, less precipitation has never been recorded. Now more and more people are experiencing both pipes and sewage freezing.
Rognan, Nordland, Norway

Had to go into the flood to save car
Several properties in Trysil have been affected by flooding after ice flow in Trysilelva. The garage where Johnny Stenbrenden has his beloved Chevrolet Camaro was flooded.
Jordet, Trysil river, Norway
Mette Finborud Børresen, Hans Andreas Solbakken, Torunn Myhre, Ola Bjørlo Strande

December temperatures finally arrive in February
"The Chistochina River froze over and went to overflow by the second of February which means we went through the New Year and January with the river running open. First time that I know of."
Chistochina, Alaska, United States
Wilson Justin, Chris Arp, Katie Spellman

Salmon freeze to death in the Skjoma river in Narvik – Statkraft refuses to release more water
The Skjoma River in Narvik is frozen through in several places – and locals fear the salmon population will have to endure a sharp reduction again. Statkraft says it will lose money if they release more water.
Skjoma, Narvik, Norway

Two more Russian tankers transit Bering Strait
Two more Russian LNG tankers made history earlier this month passing through the North Sea Route, which extends along the northern coast of Russian Asia, in late January, the latest commercial ship
Diomede, Alaska, United States
The Nome Nugget

Mild Temperatures and North Winds Contribute to Low Sea Ice Extent in Bering
Sea ice extent in the Bering Sea was at record low levels at the end of 2020. And with recent strong northerly winds combined with mild temperatures, sea ice coverage in the Bering Strait region is still not ideal.

Ice pancakes float along a river in the Highlands
The pancakes form when foam floating on a river or the sea freeze. These frozen chunks are then shaped by being rubbed against one another in eddies of water.
Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

Snow conditions causing stress on trees
The snowfall that came in the relatively mild Christmas season, was followed by severe cold and has caused the snow to freeze to bark and needles on conifers. The snow that now comes, settles on the branches in thick layers and is becoming heavier to carry.
Kattåsen, Finnemarka, Modum, Viken

Ice Road Open, At Least For Now
After heavy snowfall on Jan. 19, the ice road from Bethel to Tuluksak has been plowed and is open for use. Napaimute Traditional Council’s Mark Leary, who
Tuluksak, Alaska, United States
KYUK

Avalanche Causes Damage at Siglufjörður Skiing Grounds
No one was on the grounds when the avalanche occurred early this morning, though staff noticed it when they arrived in the area, located in Skarðsdalur valley. The ski lodge was displaced from its foundation by the avalanche.
Siglufjörður, Northeast, Iceland
Iceland Review

Snowless winter and tough year overall
The winter so far has seen very little snow in Iceland. December snowfall was well below average in both Reykjavík and Akureyri. Meteorologist Elín Björk Jónasdóttir says it has been one of the least white winters in living memory so far.
Akureyri, Northeast, Iceland
RÚV

Snowfall blankets Istanbul, boosts water resources
The precipitation, although lasting just a few days, was good news for dams supplying water to more than 15 million people in the city. Just a few weeks after a drought alert, dams have seen a rise in their water levels.
İstanbul, Istanbul, Turkey
Daily Sabah

Coast guard warns of thin ice
Finland is emerging from a deep freeze, giving way to milder temperatures and more snow. On Saturday three people in Helsinki fell through the ice at two different locations within the same 15-minute period.
Vihti, Uusimaa, Finland
Yle Uutiset

Russian tanker passes through Bering Strait in the midst of winter
Last week, a 908-foot Russian tanker carrying liquified natural gas passed south through the Russian side of the Bering Strait, with two more to follow. The ships are traversing the northern coast of Siberia, called the North Sea Route, in the middle of January with no icebreaker escort, an unprecedented event that may hint at the future of the region as climate change alters global commerce.
Uelen, Chukotskiy Avtonomnyy Okrug, Russia

Whitehorse city workers pile snow high to keep roads clear after early winter storms
City of Whitehorse crews have been dealing with record amounts of snow on residential streets and roads. Thousands of truckloads of snow will be hauled away keeping a small army of city workers and contractors busy with plenty of overtime.
Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada

Avalanche hits ski resort near Norilsk
Father missing under snow; more than 200 people continue search and rescue at -23C, snowstorm and bleak light of polar night.
Norilsk, Krasnoyarskiy, Russia
Siberian Times

Storm Filomena paralyzes Madrid, leaving the Spanish capital immobilized and in a critical condition
The unexpectedly heavy snowfall has blocked roads, left the emergency services unable to circulate and has caused dangerous situations due to falling branches.
Madrid, Madrid, Spain
EL PAÍS

An Increase of Hail in Victoria, British Columbia
Over the last few years, there has been an increase in the occurrence of hail during the winter and early spring months. This type of weather is very unusual for this area. While our current experiences with hail have been mild, an increase in frequency and severity is cause for concern.
Oak Bay, British Columbia, Canada

The result is clear: 2020 is the hottest year ever in the country
Experts fear the future could be like the record year 2020: Shorter and warmer winters, wetter summers.
Oslo, Oslo, Norway
Louise Scharff Thommessen, Tiril Mettesdatter Solvang, Hallvard Nordum

Container ship "Sparta-3" stuck in ice in the Yenisei Bay
A container ship froze into the waters of Yenisei Bay in Russia’s Arctic. Traveling from Dudinka to Arkhangelsk, the ship got stuck in ice on December 13. The crew battled icing, but was not in danger. Three weeks later, the ship was able to break free. According to Atomflot, the ship did not have necessary permissions to sail along this section of the Northern Sea Route.
ТАСС

Generation of B.C. salmon likely wiped out by landslide
Homalco First Nation to push for special hatchery permits
Southgate River, British Columbia
Campbell River Mirror
Quinn Bender, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Watch: Skaters glide on mirror-like ice
Scientists measured 16 centimeters of snow in Kilpisjärvi on Thursday, which is far less than the average depth of 39 centimeters for this time of year, according to Siiskonen. Less of the white stuff than usual, creating unusual opportunities for long-distance skating enthusiasts.
Kilpisjärvi, Lapland, Finland
Yle Uutiset

Disruption after thundersnow hits Scotland
Hundreds of residents reported hearing explosions in the early hours of Friday caused by the weather phenomenon. After receiving a number of calls, Police Scotland took to Twitter to reassure residents that there was no need to be alarmed.
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Heavy snow and thick ice could mean trouble for Aklavik's spring melt, says local
Spring is still months away in the Northwest Territories, but people are already looking ahead at the spring breakup season. In Aklavik, some see signs that could point to heavy flooding, a lot of snowfall, very high snow piles all over town and thick ice.
Aklavik, Northwest Territories, Canada

It Takes A Lot Of Help To Plow The Longest Ice Road Ever
The ice road on the frozen Kuskokwim River has been plowed to its longest length ever: 355 miles. That’s longer than most traditional highways in the state.
Sleetmute, Alaska, United States
KYUK

Colder weather brings Bering Sea ice extent and thickness to near normal, benefiting hunters
Even if a storm does hit Western Alaska, thicker sea ice will always be more resistant than last year’s ice was at this time, a climatologist says.

Vasaloppet ski race organisers scramble to put extra snow on the course
Sweden's most famous ski race gets underway next week.This weekend's wind and rain has led to puddles on the 90 kilometre-long course, and volunteers are working feverishly before thousands of skiers descend on the course.
Sälen, Dalarna, Sweden
Radio Sweden

Kuskokwim River Too Rough For Travelers In Upper Kuskokwim Area
The river is so rough in the Upper Kuskokwim area that it is impassable to vehicle and snow machine traffic. Big boulders of snow-covered ice are scattered across the river caused by high water and a late freeze up.
Napaimute, Alaska, United States

Snowmachiner dies in avalanche near Cooper Lake
A snowmachiner was killed Monday afternoon in an avalanche on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska State Troopers reported late Monday night.
Cooper Landing, Alaska, United States
KTUU

Difficult grazing conditions for reindeer
In Karasjok and Kautokeino, there has been greater snowfall than usual on winter pastures. The difficulty in digging down to pasture is effecting reindeer in large parts of Troms and Finnmark.
Ivgobahta, Troms, Norway
Troms og Finnmark

After avalanche scare, Anchorage’s Kincaid Park sand dunes off-limits to Junior Nordic skiers
No one was hurt when a slab avalanche buried one child and partially buried two others.

Receding sea ice off northern Japan proves blessing and potential curse for seals
Climate change has allowed spotted seals to find new hunting grounds, but the marine mammals ultimately depend on sea ice to survive.
Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan

Worried for the raspberries, they have started to sprout
The raspberries believes spring has begun now. They have started to bloom and have no idea that the cold temperatures may come in an instant.
Drøbak, Akershus, Norway
Silje-Lisette Tennøy, Miriam Alsvik, Iselin Øverbø

Snake encounter in January
The earliest I have ever seen the cormorant snake has been around the first week of April. I could never imagine meeting snakes in January.
Svartevatnet, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway
Ina Christin Løvseth, Ola Weel Skram, RoyRaasholm Fauske

Much Snow
It is so much snow, more than usual this time of the year.

Overflow Flood Waters Threaten House and Road System
A hole cut in the ice has produced a lot of overflow, and flooding is now threatening homes and a state-managed road.
Newhalen, Alaska
Lexi Trainer, Sonny Lamont, Melany Eakin, Edward "Ted" Smith, Erica Lujan, Savannah Anelon

600 fishermen taken off floating ice in the Sea of Okhotsk
Major rescue operation on the island of Sakhalin went on for two days. Some of the fishermen made their way back to safety on ice floes, using ice diggers as oars.
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Sakhalin, Russia
Siberia Times

'Brilliant blues' of mountain lakes change as glaciers shrink
Shimmering mountain lakes will start to show new colours in coming years, new research suggests.
Zigadenus Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

100 places in Norway are set to set temperature records
The birds are singing, the flowers are germinating and the snow is not visible. January is record-breaking in several places in the country and Oslo sets a new snow-free record.
Oslo, Norway
Tiril Mettesdatter Solvang, Kirsti Haga Honningsøy

Several rainfall records have already been broken - now a warning has been sent out on Helgeland
Several rainfall records in Nordland have already been struck. Now a warning has been sent out for even more of the same. - We are in the top tier of what we have measured by rainfall over the last 100 years, says meteorologist Bente Wahl.
Bodø, Nordland, Norway

Icing in the high mountains produces desperate reindeer
Icy conditions in the mountains have caused wild reindeer to descend towards the hut areas to find food. In several places ski areas are now closed to prevent the reindeer from being disturbed.
Hovden, Aust-Agder, Norway

Worried about the bees this year
During the first weeks of the year, the beekeeper from Tønsberg has registered that several bees have flowed out of the cube. It really shouldn't happen until March.
[Read in
Revetal, Vestfold, Norway
Linn Udnes, Hege Therese Holtung, Magnus Skatvedt Iversen

Scientists: Winter is shrinking at both ends
It's January 15th and the first signs of spring are here. The biologist found a snail in the garden, and in the flower box of the meteorologist sprout and grow it. Both are concerned.
Røa, Oslo, Norway
NRK, Norsk Rikskringkasting
Ida Theresa Myklebost, Dagny Elisabeth Ulland

Mild winter puts squeeze on Saimaa ringed seal
Sipilä said that during his 40 years working for state-owned parks and wildlife management agency Metsähallitus, he has never seen such poor ice conditions in January.
Gulf of Finland
Yle Uutiset

Heavy rain, snow increase threat of mudslides in Western Washington
All the rain and snow falling in Western Washington bumps up the risk for mudslides and avalanches.
Des Moines, Washington, United States
The Columbian

Seven miles of ice stopper loosened and damaged several houses
400 residents lost the road connection and several houses were evacuated when a seven-mile-long ice stopper came loose, carrying large masses of ice and water. Today, the municipality is on inspection to look at the damage.
Beiarn River, Norway

Ferries cancelled, flood watch issued as storm wallops B.C. South Coast
The storm pummeling much of B.C. incapacitated part of the ferry system and coated major highway passes and northern areas of the province in a heap of fresh snow.
Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

New heat record again - 19 degrees on Sunndalsøra
A new heat record for January. Sunndalsøra in Nordmøre measured 19 plus degrees in the morning.
Sunndalsøra, Møre og Romsdal, Norway

Anchorage breaks snow record for New Year’s Day following the warmest Dec. 31 on record
The snowfall came after Anchorage broke the daily record for warmest Dec. 31, with temperatures at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport measuring 46 degrees.

Mat-Su declares disaster after Willow Creek flooding forces evacuations, closes bridge
Flooding on Willow Creek Saturday night and Sunday has led to seven families being evacuated, with five people taking shelter at the Willow Community Center. The Willow Fire Department, Mat-Su Animal Care and the Mat-Su Water Rescue Team organized to assist those impacted by the flood.
Willow, Alaska, United States

Russia’s warm winter has deprived Moscow of snow, caused plants to bloom and roused bears out of hibernation
Residents are lamenting a December without the constant layer of snow that defines Russian winters, when what little light there is typically reflects off the white covering and brightens the days.
Moscow, Moscow, Russia
Washington Post

Record Christmas snow cover in Lapland
Powder on the ground is nearly one meter deep in some parts of Finland's northernmost region.
Inari, Lapland, Finland

More than a dozen homes evacuated due to Willow Creek flooding; Mat-Su officials say bridge could be closed for days
The flooding started when large chunks of ice jammed at Deneki bridge, according to an advisory issued by the National Weather Service.
Willow, Alaska, United States

Buildings Disappears under Snow: "We’ve never before had snow on this scale"
The building, 30 feet to the gable, is buried in snow.
Hofsós, Northwest, Iceland
Electroverse

The snow is low, but the ice is nice
What little snow has fallen in recent weeks has disappeared, leaving inviting surfaces and smooth terrain to explore.

Winter storm cuts off power to over 50,000 homes
Gusty winds and precipitation began pounding Finland from the southwest on Wednesday morning.
Heinola, Päijänne Tavastia, Finland

Deadliest storm in decades for Icelandic horses
Last week’s storm was the most fatal natural disaster to Iceland’s horses in decades. The situation was worst in Vestur- and Austur Húnavatnssýsla, but horses died elsewhere around the country as well.
Vesturland, Iceland
RÚV

Ice balls spotted on island in Finland
Hundreds of ice balls could be seen floating on the beach at Ohtakari island in Finland’s Bay of Bothnia.
Kokkola, Central Ostrobothnia, Finland

Where's the snow? Warm weather to keep most of Eaglecrest closed this weekend
Night-time temperatures have been cold enough for snow but the snow quickly melts by morning.
Juneau, Alaska, United States
Juneau Empire

Too icy to ski right now? Not for Junior Nordic
Most of Anchorage is currently covered in ice, but that doesn't mean it's impossible to ski.
YouTube

K300 Season Opener Delayed Again
Poor trail conditions have pushed the Kuskokwim 300 Season Opener race back another week.
Bethel, Alaska, United States

Kipnuk the latest village to flood as storms rile the ice-free Bering Sea
This has become the new norm across the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. Late winters and sudden thawing have turned roads into slush and made rivers and sloughs, which are necessary for travel, less safe because they take longer to freeze.
Kipnuk, Alaska, United States

Stay Off Straight Slough; Four Open Holes Near Bethel
Travelers need to stay off Straight Slough, which flows into the main Kuskokwim River near Bethel.

Man who found hiker trapped in Flattop Mountain avalanche said rescue was ‘a miracle’
After being buried, the trapped hiker was able to kick his legs free. A hiker passing by spotted his feet sticking out of the snow.

Flares used to scare away 63 polar bears besieging a remote Russian village
Amazing footage shows the bears just 150 metres from the nearest house as shooting is criticised - but does little to deter predators.
Siberia Times

Dozens of polar bears stranded outside Russian Arctic village because of melting ice
Nearly 60 polar bears have been stranded on the Arctic coast near a remote village in Russia's Far East after warm winter weather hampered their hunting routine.
The Telegraph

Ice Fog (Low Visibility) = Cancelled Flights
Open water over the ocean creates conditions that lead to hoar frost and rime ice. These conditions impact travel and are expected to become more common as ice forms later in Norton Sound.
Unalakleet, Alaska, United States

‘Februburied’: Record snowfall stacks up in Sierra Nevada at Truckee Tahoe resorts
The snow began falling in early February and hardly let up until the last day of the month, setting records at local ski resorts and causing havoc across the
Truckee, California, United States
Sierra Sun

30 year temperature record broken
Warm temperatures break 30 year record.
Svelgen, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway
NRK Sogn- og Fjordane

Walls of ice bulldoze ashore from Lake Erie
Extreme winds from a huge weekend storm over the Great Lakes pushed huge walls of ice on the shores of Lake Erie.
Hoover Beach, New York, United States
CNN

Snake has woken early from winter hibernation
Snake wakens early from winter sleep. He is a sure spring sign, but is not happy in February. If you see a viper at this time of year, then there may be several snakes in the vicinity.
Berle, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway
NRK Sogn- og Fjordane

That ice was 3300 years old. And now it melts
Thousands of years old ice disappears all over Norway. Dag Inge Bakke (42) is among those struggling to save the frozen archive of the past.
Galdhøpiggen, Oppland, Norway
NRK Norsk Rikskringkasting

Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) Entering Breeding Grounds Early
Swans have arrived early in Southeast Alaska this year, with most lakes still frozen and no green grass anywhere. Most lakes are frozen; the swan is sticking to a small patch of water surrounded by ice.
Metlakatla, Alaska, United States

Spring flowers bloom very early
The winter holiday offers 15 degrees (C) of heat and spring flowers.
Lavik, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway
NRK (Norwegian Broadcasting Company) Sogn og Fjordane

Ash turns Siberia snow black triggering acute pollution concerns from locals
Blame for pollution is focused on failure of coal plant to filter emissions.
Прокопьевский, Кемеровская область, Russia
Siberia Times

Snow closes Haleakala National Park and creates social media buzz
Snow on Haleakala?
Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Coastal Flood Advisory
Unalakleet, Alaska, United States
Olivia Lee, Richard L Thoman Jr, John Henry

Leads in Ice After Warm Storm
Leads appeared following a warm storm, in areas with usually stable, shorefast ice. The leads separate many crabbers from their pots, and are illustrative of how Norton Sound's recent erratic sea ice patterns are altering subsistence opportunities and patterns.

Snow on Haleakala
Launiupoko, Hawaii, United States

Yukon ice cave definitely changing geologist says
The spectacular natural formation near Haines Junction has become a big draw for visitors.
Haines Junction, Yukon, Canada

Icebergs and Open Sea
Very strong south winds took out all the sea ice and created an ice pile in front of the village.
Shishmaref, Alaska, United States
Andrew Kakoona, Olivia Lee, Sharon Nayokpuk

Heavy snowfall stalls inter-city trains until Thursday
The state rail company VR has said that it will substitute buses on some of the cancelled rail trips.
Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland

Yukon ice conditions unusual this year, says snowmobile association
'This year especially there's been lots of reports of thin ice and open water in places where there hasn't been in previous years,' said James Connor of the Klondike Snowmobile Association.
Drury Lake, Yukon

Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) Spotted Walking with Cubs in Mid-Winter
Weather had been pouring rain and 45-degree temps for several days leading up to the sighting.
Haines, Alaska, United States

Yukon Quest's route shortened this year because of lack of snow
For safety dogs and mushers will be trucked from Braeburn to Carmacks.
Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada

State investigates Prudhoe Bay wells after a second North Slope well ‘jacked up’ and leaked oil and gas
The incident appears similar to an oil and gas release in 2017 blamed on thawing permafrost and hot production fluids.
Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, United States

Russian military sent to assess giant rockfall blocking Bureya River
Urgent measures underway to evacuate residents of remote villages after flood threat caused by rising water above new ‘dam’.
село Усть-Ургал, Верхнебуреинский район, Хабаровский край, Russia

Amid environmental grief, finding hope in a graveyard of yellow cedar
One ecologist wonders, for the yellow cedar forests and the people who care about them, what comes after climate change and environmental loss in Southeast Alaska?
Elizabeth Jenkins, Alaska's Energy Desk - Juneau

Residents along Lake Erie spending thousands to protect homes from erosion
An Amherstburg couple has been dealing with shoreline erosion along their waterfront property, and they've invested thousands of dollars in an effort to protect it.
Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada

Late Freeze up in Lower Kuskokwim
Late freeze on the Lower Kuskokwim produced ice conditions unsafe for travel in November.
Oscarville, Alaska, United States

Drivers Need To Stick To Marked Trails On Lower Kuskokwim River
Drivers need to stick to marked trails on the Lower Kuskokwim River, according to the latest update from Bethel Search and Rescue’s Earl Samuelson. There is a spot in front of Oscarville that has only 9 inches of ice, which Samuelson says is too thin to drive a truck on.
Oscarville, Alaska, United States

She lives where the soil heats up the fastest
People in Longyearbyen have replaced parkas with a shell jacket. They must calculate with rainfall in January and February. Both snowmobiles and dogs must be parked. People are annoyed and disappointed. Others are very concerned.
Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Svalbard and Jan Mayen

After 6 days, still no trace of couple who went missing at Big Lake
Hundreds of people have combed the terrain near Big Lake, but there’s still no sign of LaVerne and Van Pettigen.
Big Lake, Alaska, United States

Climate Change Could Ruin California's Farming Industry
As its vital snowpack shrinks and droughts intensify, Californias giant $50 billion agricultural industry is at a crossroads: how to keep feeding the nation while adapting to the reality of …
California's Central Valley, United States
Courthouse News Service

Snow Falls in Rome, and the Eternal City Takes a Holiday
With schools and parks in the city closed for the day, and hundreds of shops shuttered, many Romans took the unexpected blanket of white in cheerful stride.
Rome, Latium, Italy
The New York Times

Svalbard’s ‘Doomsday’ seed vault marks 10th anniversary with upgrades to protect it from climate change - Arctic Today
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault celebrates its first decade in operation by accepting its millionth sample—and a grant for work to keep those samples safe despite melting permafrost.
Svalbard, Norwegian Archipelago, Arctic Ocean
Arctic Today

Rome covered in rare snowfall
Roma, Roma, Italy
ABC News

In Western Alaska, there's water where there should be ice
Last week, social media across Western Alaska lit up as residents posted photos and videos of open water where, normally, there's ice.
Diomede, Alaska, United States
KTOO

Most King Penguins Could Vanish by the End of the Century
As global temperatures rise, the lives of countless plants and animals are changing in response. That includes king penguins, which a new study predicts will see profound, climate-driven changes in their numbers and the location of their breeding grounds over the next century.
Possession Island, Crozet Archipelago
Earther

Sudden stratospheric warming linked to open water in polar ice pack
In the depths of the long night that cloaks the Arctic in frigid darkness for three months each winter, a surprising patch of open water appeared, just to the north of Greenland.
Wandel Sea
Phys.org

Subsistence hunters are adapting to a warming Alaska with new, high-tech tools
The weather was warm and the ice was late in coming, so Dennis Davis set up a piece of equipment unknown to his Inupiaq forebears: his drone.
Shishmaref, Alaska, United States
TheWorld

Skimpy snowpack drags down winter economy in West & changing climate could make it worse
Winter sports tourism pumps about $11 billion in direct spending into the U.S. economy each year but is at risk of being decimated by climate change, according to the advocacy group Protect Our Win…
Ski Resorts, Colorado, United States
The Denver Post

Revolutionary NASA technique captures melting Antarctic ice like never before
The seven-year-long work on the system shows that West Antarctic ice sheets are melting at a rapid rate.
Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf
International Business Times UK

Ocean Ice Is All Gone
Rough seas and moving sea ice.
Shishmaref, Alaska, United States
Sharon Nayokpuk, Hajo Eicken, Richard L Thoman Jr

Canada’s Outdoor Rinks Are Melting. So Is a Way of Life.
Canada loves its ice, and outdoor hockey is part of the nation's cultural identity. So what happens when winters get too warm for backyard rinks?
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
New York Times

Animals have stopped turning white for winter in alarming climate change trend
When there's no snow, there's no need for their winter whites.
The Yukon Territory
Newsweek

An unfrozen North
The world’s permafrost holds vast stores of carbon. What happens when it thaws?
Toolik Lake Field Station
High Country News

Changing climate forces mushers to break new trails
The route of the Yukon Quest traverses Lake Laberge for the first time in decades, and that's not the only dog sled race affected by the changing climate.
Dawson City, Yukon Territory, Canada
CBC News

Large Earthquake Detected In Öræfajökull
The area around Öræfajökull glacier continues to show increased activity as the largest earthquake detected in the area, M3,6 on the Richter scale, occurred there this morning.
Öræfajökull Volcano, Iceland

Sounds of Skating on Thin Ice
This small lake outside Stockholm, Sweden, emits otherworldly sounds as Mårten Ajne skates over its precariously thin, black ice.
Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
National Geographic

Thawing Arctic permafrost could release massive amounts of mercury - Arctic Today
New research shows that permafrost soils hold massive quantities of mercury — nearly twice as much as is held in all other soils in the world, plus the mercury in the oceans and the atmosphere —
Arctic Today

Saimaa seal population on the rise in Finland
Recent heavy snowfall and large drifts have created ideal conditions for the dens where the endangered Saimaa ringed seal raise their young, and a record number of pups may be born this year. The freshwater Saimaa ringed seal is one of the most endangered seal species in the world.
Lake Saimaa, South Karelia, Finland
Eye on the Arctic

How the Antarctic Sun Creates Breathtaking Optical Effects
A fine haze of ice particles transformed this landscape into an otherworldly scene
South Pole
Smithsonian - SMARTNEWS

Ice roads and tundra travel: Rural Arctic access complicated by warmer winters
While industry has had to adapt to changes, many locals are still struggling to find a new normal amidst the shifting seasons.

Arctic sees temporary return to colder temperatures
The Arctic Sounder - Serving the Northwest Arctic and the North Slope
Kotzebue, Alaska, United States
The Arctic Sounder

Snowstorm beats European record
Half a meter of snow fell in the Vasternorrland region of Sweden, Thursday, the largest snowfall measured in Europe yesterday.
Näsåker, Västernorrland, Sweden
Radio Sweden

Amid Shrinking Sea Ice, Hunters Race To Adapt
As snow machines zoomed past, Dennis Davis set up his new drone. According to Davis, blue ice is more solid than white. Those are areas hunters can travel across more safely as they search for marine mammal prey.

Is There A Ticking Time Bomb Under The Arctic?
Just what exactly is permafrost? And what is happening now that it's warming up? To find out, we enter the Arctic Circle's secret world of ice and frozen history.
Northern Alaska, United States
NPR

Fierce storm drops a foot of snow on Anchorage in 24 hours
The storm that walloped Southcentral Alaska also left about 32 inches of snow in Moose Pass and 30 in Seward.

4 mushers scratch due to icy conditions in Kuskokwim 300 sled dog race
Four teams had scratched as of 7 p.m. Saturday because of the icy conditions, said Kuskokwim 300 race director Madelene Reichard. "It's the same thing for all of them," Reichard said. "The dogs aren't used to running on the ice, and people were wanting to keep their dogs healthy."

Warm Weather And Lady Bugs
The weather was the warmest I’ve ever seen for this time of year and never seen insects like ladybugs out this time of year.
Haines, Alaska, United States

High winter winds and warm temperatures
We've had so much wind this winter, on the 15th of January, the winds were warm!!!!!!
Golovin, Alaska, United States

Detah ice road ties record for latest opening
The ice road between Detah and Yellowknife is opening Friday, a date that ties a decades-old record.
Yellowknife Ice Road, NWT

State report details potential health impacts of climate change
How will climate change affect health in Alaska? Dangerous travel conditions could cause more accidents, warmer temperatures could spread new diseases and the topsy-turvy weather could worsen mental health. Those are some conclusions from a new state report released Monday. Listen now
Newtok, Alaska, United States
Rachel Waldholz, Alaska's Energy Desk - Anchorage

There Are So Many Open Holes, Search And Rescue Ran Out Of Blue Tape To Mark Them
The warm winter has made traveling on the river ice more hazardous than Bethel Search and Rescue ever remembers.
Oscarville, Alaska, United States

Rain on snow event in the French Alps
Photograph illustrates the impact of a rain-on-snow event during the winter of 2018.
Courchevel, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France

Roads, cars submerged: Storm rages with snow, floods - The Boston Globe
The powerful winter weather storm was slamming into Massachusetts by mid-morning Thursday, bringing blizzard-like conditions in some areas, torrential rain in others, power outages and hurricane-strength winds on Cape Cod and the Islands.
Quincy, Massachusetts, United States
The Boston Globe

After two-week delay, sled dog racing season kicks off on the Kuskokwim
Sled dog racing season officially began on the Kuskokwim this weekend. Listen now

Father's Body Recovered, Five Rescued After Family Falls Through Kuskokwim On New Year's Eve
A father’s body has been recovered from the Kuskokwim River after he and his family fell through a marked, open hole the night of New Year’s Eve. Bethel

Open Water Adds to Winter Chill - Part 2
While taking photos this afternoon of the snow ice on various objects near the Native Village of Unalakleet, which was on the approximate order of 4 minutes and with very little wind (playground, grass, powerlines), my hands were cold due to the "wetness" in the air and the ambient air temperature.
Unalakleet, Alaska, United States

Amid warm winter, scientists say Alaska sea ice conditions are ‘shockingly bad’
That hurts coastal communities that hunt on the ice. But colder weather may be coming, at least to some portions of Alaska.
Gambell, Alaska, United States

Amid warm winter, scientists say Alaska sea ice conditions are ‘shockingly bad’
That hurts coastal communities that hunt on the ice. But colder weather may be coming, at least to some portions of Alaska. Ice should be hugging the coast near the village of Gambell, perched on St. Lawrence Island in the Bering Sea, said Mayor Susan Apassingok, on Tuesday. But ice isn't there.
Pacific Ocean-Bering Sea, East Coast, Alaska, United States

High winds knock out power, damage buildings in Kuskokwim Bay
Winds of up to 85 mph ripped up the Southwest Alaska coast on Friday, upending smokehouses, tearing electric lines and flinging a house across the road.
Quinhagak, Alaska, United States

Lineup of Storms and Unseasonable Weather
Multiple storms and warm weather in St. Mary's.
Saint Mary's, Alaska, United States

After responding to 3 vehicles that broke through ice so far this year, N.W.T. gov't asks public to be careful
The number of vehicles reported to have gone through the ice around Yellowknife continues to rise. According to the N.W.T. Department of Environment, its spill response team has responded to three vehicles through the ice so far this year.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada

Suspected stolen vehicle falls through thin ice on Chena Lake
A borough employee who went to measure ice at Chena Lake got first-hand evidence that the lake ice ready for vehicles. “Lo and behold, there was a truck upside down on the bottom in about 25 feet of water,” Haas said. “No one was in it.”
Chena Lakes, Alaska, United States
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

For Alaskan Coastal Village, Erosion Hits Home
Melting permafrost and major storms are eating away at the coastal Alaskan village of Newtok. Residents are desperate to move, but the U.S. has no climate change policy that could help them.
Newtok, Alaska, United States
NPR

Slow River Freeze Up and Difficult Travel Conditions
Unusually warm temperatures for an extended period this winter has affected the ability to travel because the river isn't freezing over.
Galena, Alaska, United States

As permafrost thaws, Western Alaska village cemeteries sink into swampland
In villages like Kongiganak, communities have stopped burying their dead because, as the permafrost melts, the oldest part of their cemetery is sinking.
Kongiganak, Alaska, United States

Warm, Windy, Snowy, Wet, Cool Days!
"Our roads are slippery when there would be snow to where the children were out with their sled. Planes never cancelled as much as this year to where the flights were backed up to 3 or 4 days. Lately, we've been seeing grasses regrowing after it warms up out there."
Lower Kalskag, Alaska, United States

At least 4 people, and 1 snowmobile, have broken through the ice in Yellowknife Bay
Darcy Bourassa was just walking around his house on Tuesday when 'I must have stepped right in the perfect spot and went through.' "What I think was happening here is there's a lot of snow built up it's really insulated in the snow and it hasn't been cold this fall or this winter so there's not a lot of ice penetration underneath that snow."
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada

National ski championships still a go at Kincaid Park
Though snow is scant in Anchorage, organizers are confident they will be able to host the Jan. 3-8 race series.

High temperatures in Utqiaġvik confuse NOAA algorithm
This November in Utqiaġvik was the hottest on record, averaging 17.2°F. It was so warm that NOAA's quality control algorithms flagged the data. “When we look out on the ocean right now we see a few icebergs,” Thomas said. “Normally we would see white to the horizon in the past, and in this case we’re seeing dark water to the horizon.”
Utqiaġvik, Alaska, United States
Ravenna Koenig, Alaska's Energy Desk - Fairbanks

How Global Warming Fueled Five Extreme Weather Events
Scientists analyzed 27 extreme weather events from 2016 and found that global warming was a “significant driver” for most of them. We look at five cases.
The New York Times

Arctic saw 2nd warmest year, smallest winter sea ice coverage on record in 2017 | NOAA
A NOAA-sponsored report shows that the warming trend transforming the Arctic persisted in 2017, resulting in the second warmest air temperatures, above average ocean temperatures, loss of sea ice, and a range of human, ocean and ecosystem effects.
Arctic Region, World
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

It's snowing in south Texas! Yes, you read that right
Big and fluffy snowflakes fell across parts of south Texas on Thursday, including San Antonio and Austin.
San Antonio, Texas, United States
CNN

Richardson Highway closed following avalanche and extreme snow
Crews are working to clear snow off of the Richardson Highway near Valdez, after excessive snow has not relented, and an avalanche has poured over the isolated highway stretch.
Valdez, Alaska, United States
KTUU News

Fast Weather Change: Snowfall
Rapid weather change, with snowfall.

Eklutna Glacier, a source of Anchorage drinking water, is disappearing drip by drip
A new study quantifies the rate at which Eklutna Glacier is losing its icy mass. Between 1957 and 2010, the loss of glacier mass averaged 5 percent a year.
Eagle River, Alaska, United States
Alaska Dispatch News

Waiting for winter: ice roads mean the North Slope can get to work
Every winter, a massive infrastructure project takes place on the North Slope one thats designed to disappear. Ice roads are built to minimize the oil industrys footprint on the sensitive tundra, and melt away in spring. Many of the oil industrys multi-million dollar projects on the North Slope cant be built until the ice roads are finished each year.
Utqiaġvik, Alaska, United States

Warm, wet weather prompts road closures
Record-breaking warm temperatures had some people in Whitehorse basking in the sun. In Haines Junction it was raining so hard the sand was washing off the road.
Yukon News

City councils spending millions on creating snow
Sweden is having another winter without much of the white stuff, but local councils are taking the matter in their own hands.
Östersund, Jämtland, Sweden

Ice cover at sea exceptionally low this winter
Ice cover over Finlands sea areas is very low. Experts warn that the ice is now very thin over sea, and with spring slowly arriving, the situation is not likely to improve.
Tornio, Lapland, Finland

Miserable stretches of trail prompt Iditarod to move race start to Fairbanks
For the second time in three years, the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race will move its official start from Willow to Fairbanks due to poor trail conditions that race officials determined unsafe.
Willow, Alaska, United States
Alaska Dispatch News

Sheriff: Car, Truck Plunge Into Lake Minnetonka Within Hours Of Each Other
The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office reported that two vehicles had plunged into Lake Minnetonka in Minnesota within hours of each other.
Minnetonka Beach, Minnesota, United States
CBS Minnesota (WCCO 830)

Heavy snow fears as Fraser Valley prepares for another big dump
With up to 70 cm of snow already on the ground, the Fraser Valley is bracing for another dump of snow and heavy rain as early as Wednesday.
Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver Sun

Winds challenging Finland’s icebreakers despite record low Baltic ice
Meteorologist Niko Tollman of the Finnish Meteorology Institute confirms that counting up the number of stormy days this past month made January one of the windiest first months of the year over sea areas since 1994.
Oulu, Northern Ostrobothnia, Finland
Yle

People of the sea ice see cracks forming
In Nain, a coastal village in Newfoundland and Labrador, the approximately 1,400 residents rely on sea ice for transportation and traditional activities.
Nain, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Hakai Magazine

Ice of Change - Amid Waterfowl Sightings
No sea ice; hunters say it should not be like this today.
Diomede, Alaska, United States

Canadian Arctic faces threat of coastal erosion
Darren Nasogaluak has an unusual problem.As the mayor of Tuktoyaktuk, a small Inuvialuit hamlet on the coast of the Beaufort Sea, he has had to watch bits of his community wash away over the years.
Herschel Island - Qikiqtaruk Territorial Park, Beufort Sea, YT, Canada
ND Arctic Deeply

Vandalism of mammoth graveyards in Siberia
Unique paleontological sites are facing destruction from gangs seeking to sell prehistoric remains. The hunters are especially active in late summer, when the permafrost retreats leaving mammoth remains more visible.
Zhokhov island

Kenai Peninsula permafrost thawing rapidly
A recent study estimates permafrost coverage on the peninsula has decreased by 60 percent since 1950. Permafrost is usually associated with Northern and Interior Alaska, but it also occurs in isolated pockets in wetlands on the Kenai Peninsula.
Ridgeway, Alaska, United States
KBBI Homer

Fog and cold have created perfect conditions for a frosty Anchorage
After years of low snow and higher winter temperatures, Anchorage once again looks like a real northern city thanks to a heavy layer of frost.
Alaska Dispatch News

Ski Jumpers Finally Compete
It has been three years since the Anchorage ski jumping club has been able to hold our New Year competition.

Warm winter sets back construction of Dettah ice road
Construction is beginning today on the ice road connecting Yellowknife to Dettah on the N.W.T.'s Yellowknife Bay, but a warm November means that it will open in January for the second time since the 2006/2007 season, and the second year in a row.
Yellowknife Ice Road, NWT

Winter Storm Disrupts Village Communication
Winter storm shuts down communication services for the community.
Gambell, Alaska, United States

Winter Storm Brings Surge of Water and Ice
The storm raises local concerns about food security and preparedness for transportation emergencies.
Golovin, Alaska, United States
Edward "Ted" Smith, Carol Oliver, Tonya James, Anahma Shannon

Storm Left Only a Few Inches of Snow
Fast moving winter storm left about 4 to 5 inches of snow in the Hunter Creek area, a tributary of the Knik River.
Butte, Alaska, United States

Coastal Erosion Damaging Boat Launch
Without sea ice, our beaches are eroding.
Port Heiden, Alaska, United States

Open Water in Our Ocean
This fall freeze-up was somewhat delayed, not just in the Bering Straits region, but all the way up to Barrow.

Polar Bears’ Path to Decline Runs Through Alaskan Village
The bears that come to the northern village of Kaktovik are climate refugees, on land because the sea ice they rely on for hunting seals is receding.
Kaktovik, Alaska, United States
New York Times

Unstable River Ice - Lack of Snow
From an average freeze-up to rewarming and a lack of snow. The winter weather is now gone making the river ice unstable enough to go across to the community of Togiak for groceries household goods, bad situation.
Twin Hills, Alaska, United States

Early thaw around Mukluk Slough
Early thaw of sloughs in and around Nulato
Nulato, Alaska, United States

No Ice on Iliamna Lake
Iliamna Lake is not frozen, very unusual for midwinter conditions.
Lake Iliamna, Alaska, United States

Early Iceberg Season - Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador
Canada and U.S. Coast Guard Monitoring Conditions
Ellsiton, Newfoundland, Canada

Winter Beluga Whale (Delphinapterus leucas) Sighting
The lack of sea ice in Toksook Bay, has allowed for a uniquel sighting - a January beluga whale!
Toksook Bay, Alaska, United States

Glide Cracks In Turnagain Pass
Glide Crack in Turnagain Pass
Turnagain Pass, Alaska, United States

Delayed Winter River Travel
Poor ice quality on the Teedriinjik (Chandalar) River
Venetie, Alaska, United States

Unusually Warm In Northwest Arctic
Above normal temperatures in the Northwest Arctic region
Kivalina, Alaska, United States

Unseasonably Warm and Rainy
Nome was hit by unseasonably warm temperatures and strong winds.

Delayed Freeze-Up
Delayed freeze-up on Lake Iliamna.
Iliamna, Alaska, United States

No Sea Ice
South winds blew out most of the sea ice. Going to be bad ice if it refreezes for spring hunt.

Wet Snowgo Race
Warm weather has made for unsafe traveling conditions, including a snowmachine race.

The Last Skiers
The physical poetry of skiing well can make you feel like a spiritual being. It feels like meaning. That's why we teach our kids to ski. Not because we want
Girdwood, Alaska, United States
The Anchorage Press

Coastal Erosion
Weekend storm eroded the face of the sea wall.
Togiak, Alaska, United States

Light on snow, high on risk, Turnagain Pass stays closed to snowmachiners
More than two weeks after the area typically opens for snowmachiners, the pass remained closed Tuesday as lower elevations continued to see below-average snow levels.
Turnagain Pass, Alaska, United States

No Sea Ice Yet
By this time of the year, we usually have 2-3 miles of shore-fast ice that sticks to our beach. We as a village have not done our winter harvest of seals and walrus, and we are worried that we will not be able to bowhead whale hunt.
Wales, Alaska, United States

Climate Change Threatens the Future of the Winter Olympics
By mid century, past Olympic venues like Squaw Valley, California; Oslo, Norway; Chamonix, France; and—of course—Sochi, will be too warm to ever host the Winter Games again.
Sochi, Krasnodarskiy, Russia
National Geographic

Very Little Snow
2-20-14 Very little snow - Bethel, Alaska, USA

Heavy Rains and Flooding
Heavy rains and flooding.

Heavy Sea Ice
Heavy sea ice observed in southeast Alaska.
Haines, Alaska, United States

Bad Ice Disrupts Subsistence
1-26-14 Ice disrupts subsistence - Unalakleet, Alaska, USA

Lack of Snow
1-24-14 Lake of snow - Nanwalek, Alaska, USA
Nanwalek, Alaska, United States

No Sea Ice
No sea ice alone the northside of the Alaska Peninsula.
Port Heiden, Alaska, United States

Where is the Snow?
1-3-14 Where is the snow - Solomon, Alaska, USA
Solomon, Alaska, United States

Wind Blew Out the Ice
12-19-13 Wind blew out the ice - Elim, Alaska, USA
Elim, Alaska, United States

With warm December winds, shaken faith in Arctic weather
Folks here are famous for being able to handle the cold, but anything wet in December has always made us nervous. Especially wet falling from the sky. Lately, weather, our favorite nemesis, has broken the rules. Our confidence in the most-trustworthy feature of the Arctic -- winter -- has been wounded.
Kotzebue, Alaska, United States

Creeks Choked by Ice
There is a lot of overflow and flooding happening in Anchorage area streams, as a result of the recent record rain fall.

Poor Sea Ice Changes Hunt
Lack of sea ice affects seal hunting.

Trapped on Sea Ice
A snowmachiner was trapped on the quickly moving floe and he was rescued later by a helicopter.

Weather Shifting Sea Ice Flow
Unusual weather patterns are pushing the sea ice away from the coast.

Pressure ice ridges
2-22-12 Pressure ice ridges "Vuneqs" - Kwigillingok, Alaska, USA
Kwigillingok, Alaska, USA

Late Freeze-up
Late freeze-up of sea ice along the shoreline
Elim, Alaska, United States

Worst blizzard in years blasts Saskatchewan
Blizzard conditions paralyzed Saskatoon and many other communities Wednesday as a fierce storm scoured the central part of the province, closing roads, airports and schools.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

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