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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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Juneau's Mendenhall Glacier has officially receded from Mendenhall Lake
Scientists confirm Mendenhall Glacier is no longer in contact with Mendenhall Lake, marking a new phase in its long retreat. The shift may slow near‑term ice loss but could alter tourism and views from the visitor center.
Juneau, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

Dark clear skies and solar storm put on a show near Juneau
Bright aurora borealis displays lit up the sky over Juneau, Alaska, on Nov. 12, 2025, following a series of solar flares. Residents gathered at dark locations near Mendenhall Glacier and Lake to watch the northern lights.
Juneau, Alaska, United States
Juneau Empire

Residents assess damage after landslides and high winds hit Elfin Cove
“It almost looks like a tornado came through, because the wind was just ripping the trees down and across things. So there’s one house that was completely obliterated. Several, several trees. We can’t even get to it to see how many… landed on it,” said resident Tyler Magart.
Elfin Cove, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Heavy rainfall is causing flooding, landslide concerns in Southeast Alaska
Heavy rain and strong winds in Southeast Alaska are triggering flooding and small landslides, with Juneau, Ketchikan, and Wrangell on alert. Officials warn of saturated soils, rising streams, and increased landslide risk; a Ketchikan road briefly closed but has reopened.
Juneau, Alaska, United States
Alaska’s News Source

Second glacial outburst flood expected to cause ‘minor flooding’ in Juneau
The National Weather Service issued a flood warning Monday morning, saying that water gauges indicate the Suicide Basin had started to release into Mendenhall Lake.
Anchorage Daily News

Researcher from Italy missing after being swept into hole on Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier
The man’s travel companions lost sight of him after he fell into a stream and was swept into a vertical opening in the ice, Alaska State Troopers said.
Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska
Anchorage Daily News

Juneau's glacial outburst flood has crested, water levels now dropping
The flood reached a record-breaking crest of 16.65 feet at about 8 a.m. Wednesday. Water continues to seep into Valley neighborhoods.
Alaska Public Media

Humpback whale found dead in Gastineau Channel
A young male humpback whale calf was discovered dead drifting near Sandy Beach in Gastineau Channel and towed by U.S. Coast Guard and NOAA officials to undergo a necropsy.
Chilkat Valley News

Taku River getting close to flooding thresholds
The Taku River near Juneau is rising rapidly due to a glacier lake outburst flood, approaching minor flood thresholds within the next 24–36 hours.
Juneau, Southeast Alaska, United States
Alaska's News Source

Canadian blazes make for hazy days
Smoke from Canadian wildfires is drifting into Southeast Alaska’s Chilkat Valley, prompting an air quality advisory for Haines and Skagway as hazy conditions persist.
Haines, Southeast Alaska, United States
Chilkat Valley News

Severe thunderstorm soaks Juneau, loosens cruise ship mooring
It was a sunny afternoon until the sky abruptly darkened, heavy rain came down and winds gusted up to 60 mph. A cruise ship docked downtown broke free of its mooring and drifted into the Gastineau Channel at the height of the storm.
KTOO

Risso's dolphins observed near Juneau
An unusual sighting of Risso's dolphins near Benjamin Island.
Benjamin Island, Alaska
Barb Lake, Barbara Mahoney, Bruce Wright, Michelle Dutro

Avalanche near Byron Glacier Trail
On Sunday afternoon, a family on the Byron Glacier Trail in Portage Valley, Alaska captured footage of a large wet springtime avalanche that sent debris down into the valley floor. No one was injured.
Portage Valley, Alaska, United States
Alaska's News Source

Forest Service warns Juneau residents to stay away from Mendenhall Glacier amid calving concerns
The U.S. Forest Service has warned Juneau residents to avoid the Mendenhall Glacier due to a large crack that could lead to significant calving, posing risks to those recreating on the frozen lake.
Alaska Public Media

After man disappears, locals and state officials warn of the dangers of ice skating on Chilkoot Lake
Tom McGuire, a 79-year-old Haines author and backcountry adventurer, fell through the ice while skating alone on Chilkoot Lake, triggering an extensive search by local volunteers and state officials.
Haines, Alaska, United States
Chilkat Valley News

From earthquakes, road construction, collisions and sonic booms Lynn Canal residents weigh in on Monday's jolt
Residents along the Lynn Canal experienced a jolting event on Monday afternoon that was later confirmed to be a magnitude 3 earthquake, which initially went undetected by seismic systems due to its location on the edge of the network.
Haines, Alaska, United States

Five headless seals have washed up on Chilkat Valley beaches in the last few months; here's possibly why
Over the past few months, several headless seals have washed ashore along Chilkat Valley, prompting local marine expert Tim Ackerman to suggest that killer whale predation may be involved, although a bullet-hole found on one seal hints at potential human involvement.
Chilkat Valley, Haines, Alaska, United States
Juneau Empire

CBJ closes facilities all day Monday, remote learning day for schools as heavy snowstorm fouls roads
Juneau faced a severe snowstorm, prompting the closure of city facilities and a switch to remote learning for schools on Monday. Authorities advised residents to avoid travel due to dangerous road conditions.
Juneau Empire

Egg shortage hits Haines
A mass die-off of egg-laying hens due to avian flu has caused an egg shortage in Haines, Alaska, affecting local grocers and causing a surge in egg prices.
Haines, Alaska, United States

Five people missing in wintry seas near southern tip of Haines Borough
A search is underway for five individuals missing after their fishing boat capsized in the wintry seas near Point Couverden, Alaska. The Coast Guard, supported by others, is leading the search efforts following a mayday call.
Point Couverden, Alaska, United States

What killed a harbor seal found headless at Letnikof Cove? It's a mystery, federal scientists say.
A headless harbor seal was discovered at Letnikof Cove, raising questions as scientists from NOAA investigate the cause of death and post-mortem scavenging.
Letnikof Cove, Haines, Alaska, United States

Annual bald eagle survey low for this time of year
A lower-than-usual number of bald eagles has been counted in the Chilkat and Chilkoot river areas, attributed to poor salmon returns affecting eagle distribution.

After rescue, eagle in the Chilkat Valley tests positive for avian flu
A bald eagle rescued in Haines, Alaska, tested positive for avian flu after being taken to the Alaska Raptor Center. The flu, affecting birds across the state, also raises concerns for domestic poultry and public health.

A record breaking snow storm?
In this case, the weather models were showing a strong push of cold air coming out of the Yukon, a push of warm air coming up from the south and a low spinning up from the Gulf of Alaska.

Juneau water levels recede after moderate Mendenhall Lake and River glacial outburst
The National Weather Service has canceled a flood warning issued Saturday as waters continue to recede Monday morning.
Adelyn Baxter, KTOO - Juneau and Clarise Larson, KTOO - Juneau

Juneau glacial outburst flooding begins; Mendenhall Lake and River set to hit near-record levels
Minor flood stage will begin Monday morning, with flood water expected to crest sometime early Tuesday.
KTOO

Downtown Juneau apartment building evacuated following landslide
A landslide in Juneau, Alaska, prompted the evacuation of an apartment building, with no injuries reported but further slides expected due to heavy rain.

Risso's dolphins observed near Hoonah
A small pod of Risso's dolphins, typically found in deeper mid-temperate and tropical oceans waters, was spotted near Hoonah and Juneau, Alaska.
Hoonah, Alaska, United States
Bruce Wright, Michelle Dutro, Barbara Mahoney, Barb Lake

Close encounters with curious Juneau killer whale a reminder of city's wild nature
Before she knew what was happening, a large female killer whale lifted Bloom’s paddleboard up out of the water. “And at that moment it was like terror,” Bloom said.

Pacific Sleeper Shark found at Boy Scout Beach
A Pacific sleeper shark, typically not found onshore, was discovered at Boy Scout Beach with injuries suggesting it was bycatch from local fishing activities, highlighting ongoing concerns about the species' vulnerability to human interactions.
Juneau, Alaska

Arrival of heavy rain means risk for structures, boats and avalanches even higher after record snow
Heavy rain forecasted after record snowfall in Juneau increases risks of structural damage, boat sinkings, and avalanches, prompting officials to urge residents to clear drains and snow from properties and vessels.

Lingering storm may dump more than two feet of snow; avalanche, other warnings issued
Snowfall totals for the 24-hour period ending at about noon Monday were 10.4 inches at Juneau International Airport. Rain is forecast from Tuesday night through at least next Monday as temperatures hover between the mid-30s and about 40, according to NWS Juneau.

Storm leaves behind 29.3” of snow at airport, avalanche hazards, closed schools and state offices
A severe storm in Juneau resulted in 29.3 inches of snow at the airport, causing avalanches, road closures, and the shutdown of schools and state offices.

Eaglecrest opening delayed again, target date now TBD
Eaglecrest Ski Area's opening is delayed again due to warm weather and rain, with no new target date set for the season start.

How Alaska wildlife officials saved a humpback whale found 'hogtied' to a 300-pound crab pot
Alaska wildlife officials collaborated with whale experts to successfully rescue a humpback whale that was entangled in crabbing gear off the coast of Gustavus, Alaska, preventing it from dying.
Gustavus, Alaska, United States

Humpback whale calf found dead near Juneau was killed by a large boat, biologists say
A humpback whale calf found dead near Juneau, Alaska was killed by a large boat, according to biologists who found deep lacerations on the calf's body and pectoral fin likely caused by a propeller, highlighting the risks of vessel strikes and the need for reduced speeds and increased distance between boats and whales.

Dead humpback whale calf washes up near Juneau, may have been struck by vessel
A dead humpback whale calf named Tango was found washed up near Juneau, Alaska, and an investigation is underway to determine if it was struck by a vessel.

"Small" landslide occurs downtown; one home impacted, no injuries reported
Officials evacuate nearby homes, caution residents in high-slope areas.

Record flooding from Suicide Basin destroys one home, swamps others and cuts off access
A home collapses into the Mendenhall River on Saturday due to a record amount of flooding from Suicide Basin since an annual cycle of water release began there in 2011. Officials said nobody was injured when the house collapsed, but other structures along the riverbank are at risk. (Screenshot from video by Sam Nolan).

Scientists say Tongass trees could bounce back from budworm infestation
Scientists with the U.S. Forest Service believe that the blackheaded budworm, whose numbers surged over the past three years, is now in decline.
Chichigof Islands

It’s not easy being evergreen in Juneau, as infestation of budworms lingers
Juneau, Alaska, is experiencing a persistent infestation of budworms that is causing significant defoliation, despite the outbreak tapering off in other regions.

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’s Basin Road Trestle closed until further notice after rockfall
A boulder tumbled down the face of Mount Roberts early Wednesday, damaging one side of the Basin Road Trestle’s wooden railing and closing the road. Mattice says slides are more common in the fall, but warm, wet conditions this winter contributed to the rockfall — especially this weekend’s heavy rains.

How far has the Mendenhall Glacier retreated in the last 12 months?
Juneau resident James Wycoff noticed on his regular walks to Nugget Falls that the face of the glacier seemed to be retreating faster this year than he’s ever seen before. The Mendenhall Glacier’s terminus retreated more than 800 feet.
Mendenhall Glacier
KTOO

Slide buries highway, strands residents
Two heavy rainstorms caused flooding and landslides in the upper valley last week, damaging infrastructure and leaving two residents temporarily trapped in their vehicle.

City set to begin cleanup after landslide
The City and Borough of Juneau on Tuesday began the multi-day process of cleaning up after a Monday night landslide in the area of Gastineau Avenue.The landslide damaged three homes and displaced residents, but there were no injuries reported.

Low early-run king numbers prompt restrictions
Off to a very slow start.

Whale’s body spotted near Tenakee Inlet
The humpback whale was first reported dead or stranded on Killisnoo Island on Feb. 10th, by Alaska Marine Highway System personnel, said Sadie Wright, a large whale entanglement response coordinator with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s fisheries division. The animal with a long history in the area has been necropsied.

Atmospheric river brings record rain, swollen rivers and unstable snowpack to Juneau
The nearly 3.5 inches at the city’s official monitoring station was a daily record – the most rain that’s fallen on January 21st ever – and also a monthly record – the most rain that has ever fallen in January.

Roofs, sheds collapse after heavy snow then rain
Heavy snow followed by rain last week damaged homes around town. Shori Heaton awoke on Sunday to find that her woodshed had collapsed under a wet

Meltdown: Heavy snow chased by rain prompts closures, concerns
Concern builds as rain increases weight of snow pack

Moose spotted off Lena Point, delighting residents
Wild moose chase. Moose are rarely seen close to town.

Tiny insects ate the needles off a half million acres of Tongass hemlocks. Most of the trees will be fine.
Dead crowns in the canopy and rusty-colored branches are woven in with the otherwise healthy, green temperate rainforest. About a third of the trees around here were hit by the voracious sawfly. The larvae get mistaken for caterpillars. Adults are a kind of non-stinging wasp, a little smaller than a pinky finger.

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.

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 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.

Woman gets surprise bite while using outhouse
When he heard something had bitten his sister, Erik Stevens grabbed a light and went to investigate. "I shined the headlamp and opened the lid, and right there at the level of the toilet seat was a cinnamon-colored bear face, big enough to fill the hole."

High pressure system torpedoes temperatures
A high pressure system in western Canada is driving temperatures in Southeast Alaska through the floor, possibly hitting below zero at the Juneau International Airport for the first time in years.

Man mauled by bear while backcountry skiing in Southeast Alaska
The man was injured on his face and hands. Two members in the skiers party assisted with his injuries and communicate for help in 15 degree temperatures with sunset approaching. It was not immediately clear what triggered the mauling about 10 miles northwest of Haines.

Massive mountain rockslide near Juneau shakes the earth on Christmas Eve
Around Christmas, there were reports of an earthquake and major mountain rockslide in the wilderness near Juneau. But what came first? The earthquake or the slide?

Leading the charge: City welcomes fleet's 1st electric bus
Bus is expected to be rider-ready in February.

Landslides and flooding after a record-breaking storm
In December of 2020 an atmospheric river brought heavy rains on top of a deep snowpack.

Record-breaking rainfall leaves muddy mess across Southeast Alaska
High winds, flooding and landslides caused moderate to severe damage in communities across Southeast Alaska Wednesday, as an atmospheric river stalled over the region and brought record-breaking rain.

6 reported missing in Haines after record rainfall causes flooding, landslides across Southeast Alaska
Nearly 12 inches of rain fell on the town of Pelican in 48 hours, and all-time records were set in Juneau, Skagway, Haines, Petersburg and Ketchikan. The City of Haines is sending alerts about the immediate danger of landslides.

Bear activity persists despite early snow
Two bears were shot in the Haines Borough this past weekend, both by homeowners defending chickens. Although bear-related calls to the police dipped after last week’s record-setting snowfall, the recent activity suggests this year’s Bearpocalypse is not yet over.

Blizzard sets daily snowfall record
Last weekend's blizzard caused the Haines Borough School District to close Monday after 16 inches of snow fell in less than 24 hours--a record high for daily snowfall according to National Weather Service data.

Police kill brown bear believed responsible for vehicle damage
Two brown bears were killed in Haines last week, bringing the total killed outside hunting season in management unit 1D this year to 26. Bear calls to police have increased by about 600% compared to past years.

Juneau’s unsecured garbage and ‘bumper crop of yearling bears’ are a deadly combination
Alaska Department of Fish and Game officials say a bunch of young bears and a dwindling natural food supply are forcing the bruins to search human garbage for food before they hibernate for the winter.

Chilkat sockeye, coho, chum runs appear low compared to past years
So far, the department has counted just under 37,000 fish at the Chilkat weir, well below the 10-year average of 80,000 fish. Zeiser said at this point in the season, it’s doubtful the run will hit the escapement range of 70,000 to 150,000 fish.

Dead beluga calf poses questions for biologists
It is thought to be either an aborted fetus or a very young calf. The calf is one of six belugas that have been found dead this year, five in the last month.

Juneau Raptor Center dealing with rain of injured eagles
Eight raptor casualties in a matter of weeks is a worrisome spike.

Black bear injures Juneau man after following him through open door
With few fish and limited berries, bear encounters are high in Alaska's capital city this year.

Planet Alaska: The lool always knows
This summer, fireweed has been telling us to prepare for winter. It's been telling us the season is off kilter, too. Here in Juneau we've had fireweed plants that are blooming halfway up the stalk growing next to fireweed with barely any buds.

Some salmon return, but ‘not nearly enough’
Chum salmon have started returning the Douglas Island Pink and Chum Inc. Hatchery on Channel Drive, but it’s still not enough to establish a broodstock. As the hatchery struggles to ensure future stocks, fishermen are taking what fish they can just for cost recovery.

Record-breaking temperatures across Southeast Alaska raise fire risk
Ketchikan became the first city in Alaska to hit 80 degrees this year on Saturday, as three other cities in Southeast Alaska also set temperature records.

Harbor seal pupping season has begun
Two abandoned harbor seal pups were found on beaches near Haines last week. Tracy Mikowski, at Haines Animal Rescue Kennel, said two abandoned seal pups in a single week is unprecedented

Winter weather, ferry cancellations and road closures disrupt travel in and out of Upper Lynn Canal communities
As of Sunday nearly 60 inches of snow fell in Haines in the last 8 days. That total was higher in some parts of town and more snow is in the forecast.

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.

'Funky' weather brings late harvest
It was out of habit that Rachel Kukull carried foraging tools while hiking through Chilkat State Park. The custom paid off when she spotted on the forest floor a flash of gold that made her scream. Chanterelles in November!

Heavy rain causes flooding, mudslides in Juneau
Areas of the Southeast Alaska city “received between 3 and 7 inches of rain” in 24 hours over the weekend. The sodden ground caused mudslides in some areas, and wrecked roads and ditches around John Street and Peters Lane in Douglas.

Lightning strikes Alaska Airlines jets in Southeast
Alaska Airlines said flights 64 and 65 had lightning strikes from storms that moved through the northern Panhandle and also knocked out power in Juneau.

Wind storm beaches boats, causes power outage
A wind storm last weekend toppled a tree on Beach Road and broke lines on boats in Letnikof Cove, sending one boat owner into the frigid and wavy

Haines water department works to keep water flowing from Lily Lake amid drought
The main water line comes from Lily Lake through 10,000 feet of line. According to Supervisor Dennis Durr, “We’re making 130 gallons a minute right now. Normally this time of year we should be making at least 250 gallons a minute. We’re not keeping up right now, but we are making water. That’s good. That’s keeping us in the ball game here.”

Dry conditions persist, borough reissues mandatory water restriction
The borough re-issued mandatory water restrictions this week amid drought conditions and as Lily Lake water levels continue to drop. In August, the borough has banned watering lawns with sprinklers. Hand-drip irrigation of vegetable and flower gardens is allowed.

Algal Bloom
Discolored marine waters near Haines may be reflective of the extremely high level of algae in southeast waters this month.
Kyle Rosendale, Luke Williams, Bruce Wright, Rose Masui, Chris Whitehead, Dean Stockwell

What the haze? Here's the deal with all the smoke in Juneau right now
A hazy shade of summer.

Eating shellfish you’ve harvested yourself is risky - and can be deadly
In Southeast Alaska this summer, researchers have seen extremely high levels of harmful toxins in mussels and clams plucked from beaches.

Unidentified Algal Bloom in Coastal Water
An unidentified algal bloom, resembling large clumps of grease or sawdust, stretched from Kingsmill Point all the way up to Pybus Bay. Didn't see any impact to fish or wildlife in the area.
Amy Holman, Kayla Schommer, Dean Stockwell, Jeanette Gann, Erica Lujan, Rose Masui, Chris Whitehead

'Potentially lethal' toxins found in Juneau shellfish
A group that monitors shellfish toxin levels is warning Juneau residents not to consume shellfish from locations in the Auke Bay area.

The “8.5 mile” fire destroys a home, spreads to State Forest land
A five-acre fire destroyed one home in Haines and spread to State Forest land Monday night. The National Forest Service is flying in Tuesday evening to aid the local volunteer fire department.

Spruce pollen blooms look ominous but are nothing to sneeze at
For those who suffer from seasonal allergies, spring means red eyes, mucus and fits of sneezing. This year, the Lynn Canal has seen a remarkable spruce pollen bloom.

Mottled Sea Star (Evasterias troscheli) Die-off Juneau
Approximately 700 dead mottled sea stars (*Evasterias troscheli*) found with appendages intact, which indicate that mortality event may be related to stormy weather.
DuPont beach Juneau, Alaska, United States

Southeast Alaska researchers get rare opportunity to study a sperm whale
The species has been spotted in the Inside Passage before. But sightings are infrequent. A whale found recently near Juneau is thought to have died from a vessel strike.

Whale Fatality Likely Caused By Boat Propeller
A sperm whale (*Physeter macrocephalus*) found beached on the east side of Lynn Canal had trauma consistent with being hit by a boat propeller.
Southeast Alaska

Lots of Female King Crabs (Paralithodes camtschaticus)
Large number of Red King Crabs (*Paralithodes camtschaticus*) found on the beach during an extreme low tide. According to fisheries researchers, crabs move to shallow water to hatch and release eggs.

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.

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

Herring (Clupea pallasii) in Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina) stomach
Odd time of year for seals to be eating herring.

Seismologist says earthquake may have triggered mudslide on the Haines Highway
Southeast Alaska had a very dry September. Heavy rains returned to the region this month, triggering a large mudslide on the Haines Highway.
KHNS - Haines

Calls of bear sightings are up around Juneau. But why?
Last year, Fish and Game and the Juneau Police Department received roughly 470 calls about bear activity. By the end of August this year, they had already fielded more than 600.

Cruise ship exhaust prompts complaints to state authorities
Exhaust emissions from a Norwegian Cruise Line vessel docking in Juneau prompted at least 10 complaints to an Alaska regulatory agency.

Possible algae bloom turns seawater red off Juneau
The overriding theory is that it's a bloom of algae brought on by rising water temperatures.

Authorities, residents brace for record flooding
Weather authorities and residents are getting used to responding to glacial floods in the Mendenhall Valley.

Southeast Alaska dries up in rare problem: a drought
If it sounds unusual to have a drought in a rainforest, it is. Low snow and little rain combined to deliver an almost unprecedented drought to southern

Wolves are eating sea otters near Gustavus. What does that mean for the deer?
Biologists are investigating a surprising connection between two animals that aren’t exactly well loved in parts of Southeast. Gustavus locals suspect wolves are picking off deer at a popular hunting spot on an island near the mainland.
Gustavus, Alaska, United States
By Elizabeth Jenkins, Alaska's Energy Desk - Juneau

Curious by Nature: What’s bubbling in front of Jon Reiswig’s home?
For a few decades now, retired surgeon Jon Reiswig has lived with a perplexing oddity: the water in front of his North Douglas home constantly bubbles.

No slush cup this year at Eaglecrest
Eaglecrest is forgoing its annual Slush Cup competition due to low snow levels. The event was canceled in 2015 and 2016 for the same reason, but made a return last year.

February was coldest since ‘94
Weather Service expects chilly weather to continue through March.

Rare, ‘weird-looking’ 70-pound frozen fish washes ashore in Haines
As the tide ebbed down the beach outside his house Friday, Harry Rietze discovered a mysterious sea creature that one scientific paper described as a puzzling fish with soft bones.

Northern Lampfish (Stenobrachius leucopsarus) Found on the Beach at Letnikov Cove
Northern Lampfish washed up along the beach at Letnikov Cove

Erratic weather bursts fuel line on Young Road
Homeowner Bart Henderson headed back to Haines from Mexico after a fuel-feed line from a heating oil tank to a furnace burst and potentially leaked. “We’ve got a pretty good idea that the cause of the leak was from the hard freeze and then the warm weather,” Pikul said. “There was some frost heaving of the ground and it compromised the feed line.”

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.

Robin (Turdus migratorius) Spotted
The early arrival of robins in southeast Alaska.

Wolf sightings have increased this year
Wolf sightings in the wetlands area have hikers worried for their safety.

Floods close bridge, but no injuries reported
The torrential rain, exceptional even by Juneau’s standards, comes courtesy of Typhoon Lan, whose remnants have left Asia.

California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus) in Auke Bay
California sea lions are rare but occasionally show up in Southeast Alaska and have been documented in other parts of Alaska as well.

Lynn Canal fishermen land record low sockeye harvest
Gillnetters have caught about 36,900 sockeye salmon in Lynn Canal so far this summer, the lowest harvest on record, according to preliminary Alaska.

Newly found disease could threaten Southeast Alaska spruce
A fungus that’s damaged trees in Southcentral and Interior Alaska has been discovered for the first time in Southeast. But there’s a chance its spread could be stopped.
Shrine of St. Terese, Alaska, United States

Possible new invasive species discovered in Juneau
There’s a new, probably non-native, invasive species in town, just discovered in late June. It’s a disease-causing fungus (*Gemmamyces piceae*) that afflicts spruce buds, often killing them altogether but sometimes just causing deformed buds and twigs.

Pine foliage disease apparently slowing
A foliage disease epidemic that killed shore pines near 10 Mile and other areas around Haines appears to have subsided, according to a U.S. Forest

Ghost fishing: Lost pots are a crab killer
Douglas Indian Association catalogs marine debris at the bottom of Gastineau Channel | Though it sounds like the subtitle to a Pirates of the Caribbean movie, ghost fishing is a real phenomenon. It's going on right now in Gastineau Channel.

Earthquakes caused by melting glaciers?
There is some evidence that shifts in the weight on a land mass can affect earthquakes — and glaciers are receding around the world — but seismologists and glaciologists simply cannot “connect the dots” between the two happenings.

Parasite on a Hooligan's (Thaleichthys pacificus) Gill
A parasitic copepod- similar to or possibly *Salmincola*.
Lutak Inlet, Alaska, United States

Paralytic shellfish toxin found in mollusks at Auke Bay
Researchers with Southeast Alaska Tribal Ocean Research found high levels of Paralytic Shellfish Toxin in a population of mollusks at Auke Recreation Area in Juneau on Friday.
JuneauEmpire.com

Volunteers needed to monitor bats
Millions of bats in the Eastern US and the Midwest have died from white nose syndrome disease, and it’s spreading.
Alaska Fish & Wildlife News

Low salmon projections cancel popular Southeast spring king derby
Juneau's Spring King Salmon Derby won’t happen this year, because there aren’t enough fish. State biologists predict chinook returns will be low this year.

How Alaska's Jay birds spread their seeds
On a recent hike, I heard a volley of high-pitched screams coming from a thick stand of small spruces just beside the trail. They sounded very much like the cries of a red-tailed hawk, but that bird would be highly improbable in such a place and at this time of year (February). Surely it was a Steller’s jay, which is well-known to mimic redtails and some other birds as well.
JuneauEmpire.com

European Black Slug
Tenakee Springs, Alaska, United States

Early Salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis) and Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) Bloom
Early blooming salmonberry (*was'x'aan tléiGu* and blueberry (*naanyaa kanat'aayi* - Tlingit language) blossoms.
Jerry Hupp, LoriAnne Barnett, Sudie Hargis

Dead Porpoise and Birds
A dead porpoise and eight seabirds found along shoreline

Winter flooding, warm ocean likely affected Southeast humpies
This season's pink salmon were slightly bigger, but southern Panhandle runs fizzled.
Southeast Panhandle, Alaska, United States
KTOO Public Media

Biologists ponder effects of a warmer ocean as pink salmon fry leave early
Biologists suspect climate change and mild winters may have prompted April's early out migration from Auke Creek.
Auke Bay, Alaska, United States

Lantern Fish (Stenobrachius leucopsarus)
2/15/15 Lantern fish - Haines, Alaska, USA

Early earthworm
Earthworm found while cleaning yard
Haines, Alaska, USA

Jellyfish Bloom
11-14-14 Jellyfish bloom Haines, Alaska, USA

Heavy Sea Ice
Heavy sea ice observed in southeast Alaska.

Crabbers catch fewer crab, see lower price
Summer commercial Dungeness crabbing was well below average in Lynn Canal, with fishermen hauling in an estimated 105,000 pounds this year compared

Local finds giant puffball mushroom
What is 30 lbs, 26 inches around and white all over? Your next meal, or ten meals, or twenty.   Calvatia gigantea, or giant puffballs, typically ranges from the size of a mini marshmallow to a soccer ball. The largest record of a giant puffball had a circumference of eight feet & eight inches and weighed 48 lbs.

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