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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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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

No skiing, no snowbanks: Severe snow droughts are coming to the West
Professional skier Amie Engerbretson is already noticing diminishing snow in her hometown of Lake Tahoe. She didn’t know what to do this past Thanksgiving because she couldn’t ski for the first time since she could remember. “The ski seasons are shrinking, and a lot of times the storms are coming in with more rain,” she says. “I can remember being a little girl with 19-foot snow banks in my front yard. I certainly haven't seen snow banks that high as an adult.”
Truckee, California, United States
KCRW

Major Disaster Averted in Icy Kara Sea After Two Oil Barges Ran Aground
Fuel shipments normally take place during autumn from departure ports such as Murmansk and Arkhangelsk. However, last fall saw a sudden freeze-up and quickly accumulating sea-ice on the Northern Sea Route, including the Kara Sea. Of the two rescued barges, one contained 7,000 tons of diesel fuel, while the other was loaded with 170 tons of kerosene.
The Moscow Times

Ice-locked Russian Arctic towns might not get needed supplies
Quickly accumulating sea ice along the Northern Sea Route is creating a potentially critical situation along Russia’s east Arctic coast. For several weeks, a number of ships have been trapped in thick sea ice. Several ships have also been waiting to sail into the area.
Arkhangel’sk, Arkhangelskaya, Russia
ArcticToday

Amazing November skiing! Lots of snow, lots of cold!
It is November, we have snow and we are skiing the Southcentral Alaska backcountry early and in the best conditions in years.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States

This November's sea ice extent in the northern Bering is the best in years
Current sea ice extent in Northern Alaska waters is the highest it’s been since November 2001.
Nome, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

Later Snowfalls are Causing Challenges for Winter Sports
The first event in Lillehammer is in early December, and despite being able to easily prep the hills in the past, Lillehammer athletes must now rely on snow shipped from other parts of Norway.
Lillehammer, Oppland, Norway

Alaska Logistics is leaving two barges to freeze in the Kuskokwim River
“It got very cold the day we got there, it got down to like single digits and ice came out of the mountains and rivers and sloughs everywhere,” said Allyn Long, general manager of Alaska Logistics.
Eek, Alaska, United States
KYUK

Two icebreakers are on the way to rescue ice-locked ships on Northern Sea Route
Over the past years, ice conditions in late October and early November have allowed extensive shipping along the vast Russian Arctic coast. This year, however, large parts of the remote Arctic waters were already covered by sea ice by late October.
ArcticToday

25-30 reindeer drowned in the river today
25-30 reindeer drowned in the Kautokeino River today after a herd of reindeer passed through the ice. The accident happened when the herd of reindeer was crossing the fragile ice on the river. This is the third similar incident in the area in a couple of weeks. Yesterday, three reindeer went through the ice. They were all rescued alive. This article is also available in the Sami language at this
Heammogietti, Kautokeino, Troms og Finnmark fylke, Norway
NRK

Here winter has become two months shorter
Winter will never be the way it was, according to scientists. Towards the end of the century, the Norwegian Meteorological Institute predicts that the winter weather will gradually disappear from Oslo.
Bodø, Nordland, Norway
NRK

Southern temperatures in Northern Norway – warmer in Narvik than in Rome
This morning it was as hot in Narvik as in Rome and Istanbul, and far warmer than countries in southern Europe. However, the mild air is on the wane.
Narvik, Nordland, Norway
NRK

7 hunters return home after being stranded on the frozen Yukon River for 7 days. Here's their story.
“The ice was so thick flowing down the river. It was forming so fast. It was freezing so fast. Just amazing. I’d never seen anything like that," one of the hunters, Rex Nick, said.
Emmonak, Alaska, United States
KYUK

Shift in Overall Weather Pattern Over Past Two Decades
"The first snowfall of this year happened so early that the leaves on the trees had not fallen yet. The weight of the snow on top of the trees that had not shed their leaves caused the trees to incur damage."
Eagle River, Alaska, United States

Anchorage's early snow unofficial but pleasing to zoo's polar bears, otters
Snow blanketed parts of Alaska’s largest city Tuesday morning, as Anchorage saw an early, though unofficial, first snowfall of the season. It's technically unofficial because none was reported at the National Weather Service’s official measuring spot on the city’s west side.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

NASA scientists spot troubling melting in Greenland from a plane
NASA scientists flew over Greenland this week, and gazed at a sprawling polar world of melted ice and dark pools of water.
Mashable

24 meters in a year: Like walking in a lunar landscape
Over the course of a year, the end of the glacier arms of the mighty Hardangerjøkulen has retreated so fast that huge amounts of gravel and stone comb have now appeared.
Midtdalsbreen, Hardangerjøkulen, Vestland, Norway

2021 Summer Heat Wave in Cranbrook: Low Water Levels in the Philips Reservoir Causing Unusual Water Restrictions to the Community
These prolonged above-normal temperatures required the City of Cranbrook to increase water restrictions to levels not generally experienced by the community. Additionally, during this time (personal experience), the water was discoloured and had an odor, forcing bottled water to ensure safe drinking.
Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada

Greenland experienced 'massive' ice melt this week, scientists say
With climate change fueling high temperatures across the Arctic, Greenland lost a massive amount of ice on Wednesday with enough melting to cover the U.S. state of Florida in 2 inches (5.1 centimeters) of water, scientists said. It was the third-biggest ice loss for Greenland in a single day since 1950.
Greenland
ArcticToday

Unprecedented Heat Wave in the Bow Valley
While seasonal fluctuation is normal, there is evidence that this region is being strongly affected by climate change. The Municipality of Canmore’s Climate Change Adaptation Background Report and Resilience Plan (2016) shows that there has been a warming trend that is moving faster than the global average with the average annual temperature of the Bow Valley increasing.
Canmore, Alberta, Canada

The ice-breaking began on the Little Anyyu River near the village of Ostrovsky
This year the situation is complicated by unfavorable hydrological forecasts due to heavy winter precipitation. Experts observed the maximum amount of snow in the upper reaches of the Anadyr River.
Ваеги, Анадырский район, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Russia
Prochukotku

Late flight birds arrive this year are observed by scientists of the National Park "Beringia"
Scientists from Beringia National Park noted that several species of migratory birds, including snow buntings and cranes, are arriving later than expected this year. They believe this is due to a large amount of snow cover and prolonged snow cover.
Prochukotku

Hunt opens for musk ox stranded on ice floes
The musk ox were stranded on the ice floes after wandering onto the sea ice during breakup.
Mekoryuk, Alaska, United States
KYUK

Buckland hit with heavy flooding from river ice break-up
An ice jam caused by warming spring temperatures near the village of Buckland has left most of the town underwater and cut off access to the airport road. Residents of the village of about 400 people are preparing to evacuate by boat if water levels continue to rise.
Buckland, Alaska, United States
KOTZ Radio 720 AM

Aerial views of Fort Simpson, Jean Marie River after flooding forces evacuations
Floods, caused by spring river break-up on the Liard and Mackenzie Rivers, have forced residents of the N.W.T. communities of Fort Simpson and Jean Marie River to evacuate. CBC's Eden Maury surveyed both communities from the air on May 10.
Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories, Canada
CBC

'The people are fine. Our little community is not': Communities deal with flooding along Mackenzie River
CBC News hasn't been able to reach people in Jean Marie River on Saturday, but Paul Simon was able to find cell phone service on a drive and posted photos of the flood waters on social media.
Jean Marie River, Northwest Territories, Canada
CBC

Sudden Snowstorm Out of Nowhere
From 10:45am until 11:50am a sudden flurry of snow came and went on an otherwise warm spring day.
Sutton-Alpine, Alaska, United States

300 reindeer found dead in Kamchatka
Because of the changeable weather an ice crust arose on the snow and reindeer could not get food on their own. Reindeer herders fed the main herd with compound feed. The dead reindeer, most likely, have strayed from the main herd.
Tigil’, Kamtsjatka, Russia
Reindeerherding.org

Melting Arctic ice reduces bowhead whale migration
Researchers in Canada find that population did not bother making the 6,000km roundtrip in 2018-2019
Bearing, Chukchi, and Beaufort Seas
the Guardian

Heavy snow showers replaced by mild weather and rain - violent flooding feared
On Wednesday, 17 centimetres of fresh snow fell and at its peak 127 centimetres of snow depth was recorded at the Meteorological Institute in Tromsø on the night of Thursday. But during the night, the snow stopped and turned into large amounts of rain.
Tromsø, Troms, Norway
Nordlys

44 percent increase in unique ships entering Canada's Northwest Passage, says report
The number of ships entering Canada's Northwest Passage, and the distances sailed, are all increasing, says a new report from the Arctic Council.
Eye on the Arctic

Warm temperatures, precipitation prompt avalanches in downtown Juneau
Avalanche danger is considerable in Juneau due to warming temperatures. Several large slides have occurred on Mt. Juneau in close proximity to residential areas.
Juneau, Alaska, United States
KTOO

More snow may be coming, but the end may be in sight
March had a formidable amount of snow with more than 33 inches of recorded snowfall. But its not enough to break the 2007 record of more than 62 inches. At least one segment of town probably doesn't mind the snow. Eaglecrest Ski Area recently cleared 500 inches this season.
Juneau, Alaska, United States
Juneau Empire

A Denali glacier is speeding downhill, potentially hampering climbers and increasing flood risk
Muldrow Glacier on the north side of Denali is surging for the first time since the 1950s — moving 50 to 100 times faster than its usual pace. The surge was first glimpsed by K2 Aviation pilot Chris Palm last month. “I was thinking it looks really difficult to get onto the glacier right now,” Palm said. “It’s all shattered and torn up and jagged ice and deep crevasses everywhere.” The event could impact mountaineers scheduled to use the north approach to the mountain .
Anchorage Daily News

Hatcher Pass road likely closed all week due to avalanche danger
The Hatcher Pass Road has been closed since April 3 and will likely remain closed by the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities until at least April
Fishhook, Alaska, United States
Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman

Shards of ice pile up on shore of Finnish lake
Strong winds have created a picturesque wall of ice on the shore of Lake Pyhäjärv. "This often happens at this time of year on the shores of larger lakes and on the sea shore," Huutonen said, adding that there were gale force winds in the area over the weekend.
Säkylä, Satakunta, Finland
Yle Uutiset

Weather strands travelers in small planes on glacier near Denali
Five people stayed overnight Friday on Ruth Glacier. On Saturday, guides led them to a shelter about 3.5 miles away, A historic storm dropped record amounts of snow throughout Interior Alaska during the last few days..
Ruth Glacier, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Fairbanks Borough schools closed Monday as region digs out from storm
Scattered power outages were reported this morning, and as the wind began picking up early this afternoon, more are expected. As of 9 a.m., unofficial measurements showed more than 19 inches of snow on Old Murphy Dome Road, 14 inches in Goldstream and almost a foot in Two Rivers. The official measurement on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus was 12.4 inches.
Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Skier survives avalanche in the crater of Mt. Edgecumbe near Sitka
The man was buried between 5-8 minutes before two other skiers in his group located him with avalanche transceivers.
Sitka, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

Ski areas across Alaska enjoy big-time snow days
For skiers and snowboarders looking for snowy fun within designated ski areas in Alaska, some spots have already extended their seasons.
Girdwood, Alaska, United States
Alaska's News Source

Russia's Arctic coast warmest since records started, says weather service
Parts of Northern Siberia were up to 7℃ warmer than normal in 2020. The warming is the most significant along parts of the North Siberian coast, and especially around the peninsulas of Taymyr and Yamal. This has been brought on, in part, by polar vortex on the Arctic coast.
Taymyr Peninsula, Russia
Eye on the Arctic

Skier dies in avalanche near Matanuska Glacier
Fairbanks resident Erin Lee, 40, was transported to Mat-Su Regional Hospital via helicopter where she was pronounced dead, according to the statement.
Matanuska Glacier
Anchorage Daily News

Heavy Snowfall Means Constant Plowing, Shorter Kuskokwim Ice Road
Heavy snowfall has made maintaining the lower Kuskokwim Ice Road a challenge this year. The road is shorter than usual, even as its crew is working harder.
Bethel, Alaska, United States
KYUK Bethel

15 km-long ice wall emerges on Finnish lake
The conditions for the creation of an ice wall on the lake occur about once a decade, when the ice is thick enough and there are large variations in the daily temperatures. As the ice melts, it creates a chasm, but when it freezes again and expands, it forces the edge of the chasm upwards, creating the 'wall' effect.
Sysmä, Päijänne Tavastia, Finland
Yle Uutiset

Flooding feared near Stormdalen
Rana municipality has been warned that there have been several avalanches in Stormdalen near Skarpneset. This has led to large amounts of water accumulating – potentially triggering a flood.
Stormdalen, Rana, Norway

Some Alaska seals are getting skinnier — probably because of retreating sea ice
As sea ice off Alaska continues its long-term vanishing trend, two seal species that depend on ice may be showing the effects in their bodies. Ribbon seals, distinctive for their black-and-white striped patterns on their fur, and spotted seals, known for their speckled coats, became thinner over time.
Nome, Alaska, United States

N.W.T. communities prepare for spring floods, as high water levels persist
During the summer and fall months of 2020, the Great Slave Lake reached the highest water levels in its recorded history. Communities that are prone to flooding are preparing for an abnormal spring ahead.
Hay River, Northwest Territories, Canada
CBC

Chasing the Muldrow Glacier: Denali’s Muldrow Glacier is surging for the first time in 64 years and scientists are rapidly responding
For the first time since the 1950s, Denali's Muldrow Glacier is surging! It is estimated that the glacier is currently advancing between 10-20 meters (30-60 ft) a day. This has major implications for the popular north side climbing route, and may lead to a significant flood of the McKinley River. The surge may have started as early as January of this year and could continue for several more months.
Muldrow Glacier, Denali Ntl. Park, Alaska
National Park Service, Denali Park & Preserve

In Russian tundra tragedy, up to 80,000 reindeer might have starved to death
Locals in the far northern Russian region believe between 60,000-80,000 animals might have died of starvation over the past few months. The tragedy follows the formation of a thick layer of ice across major parts of the Yamal tundra.
Yamal Penninsula
The Independent Barents Observer

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

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.
Nome, Alaska, United States
KNOM Radio Mission

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

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
The Nome Nugget

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

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