LEO Network

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

Observations

A pest that feeds on bees and honey has been found in Alaska for the first time
Alaska officials confirmed the state’s first detection of the small hive beetle at an apiary in the Copper River region, likely linked to imported bees from Mississippi. Experts warn the pest can damage bee colonies and honey, urging coordinated action by beekeepers to contain and eradicate it.
Copper River Census Area, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

Three new non-native species found in Prince William Sound
A recent survey in Prince William Sound identified three new non-native species, including the newly discovered Monocorophium acherusicum, which may spread due to its adaptability to local conditions, prompting recommendations for ongoing monitoring and prevention efforts.
Tatitlek, Alaska, United States
KTUU

Sunny dry day in Chugach Mountains
A typically snowy region, Valdez experienced an unusually dry October with receding snow lines and a dry riverbed.
Valdez, Alaska, United States
Wilson Justin, Richard L Thoman Jr, Matthew Druckenmiller, Crane Johnson

The snowiest day in Alaska — and perhaps US — history?
At 4:45 p.m., 65 inches was on the ground. By 7:30, 72 inches of new snow had fallen in one storm. That’s 6 feet. In less than one day! It was darn close to a new Alaska (and United States) record.
Thompson Pass

Floating Helmet
"My son found this helmet floating here in Prince William Sound."
Tatitlek, Alaska, United States

Flooding closes schools and shuts down sewer system in Glennallen as high waters continue to inundate Alaska communities
Officials say the floodwaters are swamping Alaska towns, tearing buildings from foundations, seeping into homes and covering roads. In Glennallen, the local utility is setting up Porta-Potties around the community, and area residents are asked to limit water usage. The state transportation department said there was water over a portion of the Glenn Highway on Monday, but the road remained open.
Glennallen, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media
Dan Bross, KUAC - Fairbanks and Chris Klint, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage

‘Local legend’ Valdez heli-ski guide dies in avalanche in Chugach Mountains
Michael Hamilton, who worked at Valdez Heli-Ski Guides, died Monday in one of numerous avalanches that have been occurring in the Southcentral Alaska backcountry recently. Several recent large wet slab avalanches reported throughout the Chugach are believed to be connected to a buried crust that formed around late October, she said. A warm storm system last week also weakened the snowpack because it added weight and heat.
Valdez, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Heavy rain on Halloween
The Matanuska Experiment Farm in Palmer says they got 1 1/8" of rain on Saturday. I think we got more than that, but based on their measurements I would revise my estimate down to 1 1/2 to 2 inches on Saturday.
Chickaloon, Alaska, United States

Willow buds are happening
Buds are appearing right as we move into a 2-day cold spell of below zero nights. An adjacent willow budded a few weeks ago during a similar cycle of warmth followed by cold, and it appears to be putting some buds out, although on different branches.
Chickaloon, Alaska, United States

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

Growth on Window After Storm
Tatitlek, Alaska, United States

Sparrow's Egg Lady's Slipper Orchid (Cypripedium passerinum) Arrives in the Swamp
Orchids often reproduce by sending up additional shoots from the rhizome, but can produce seeds. When they do, the seeds are lightweight and are easily blown around by the wind. The dried swamp may have provided the right nutrients and optimal environment for germination.

Scientists: Potential landslide could generate large tsunami in Prince William Sound
The rapid retreat of Barry Glacier, 28 miles northeast of Whittier, could release millions of tons of rock into Harriman Ford and generate a large tsunami in Prince William Sound, according to Alaska's top geologist.
Barry Arm
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Boom Year for Wood Frogs (Rana sylvatica)
Above average winter precipitation may have contributed to high winter survival rates among wood frogs, which emerged during warm spring temperatures.
Glennallen, Alaska, United States
Richard L Thoman Jr, Joshua Ream, Brandie Radigan

Oily water continues to ooze into Port Valdez as snow on the ground complicates response
The source of the spill, a drain area about a quarter-mile uphill from the coastline, was stopped on Monday, authorities reported. And oil on the water has been contained to a site near a small boat harbor at the terminal where tankers load up with oil.
Valdez, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Alyeska Pipeline cleaning up oil spill at Valdez Marine Terminal
Alyeska Pipeline Service Company says that as of Tuesday morning, roughly 326 barrels — 13,692 gallons — of oily water have been recovered at the Valdez Marine Terminal.

Alaska glacier where boaters were found dead had recently become prone to calving, guide says
It's possible the trio’s canoe was upset by a calving, or shedding, piece of ice. Although all three were wearing life jackets, none was wearing a wetsuit to protect against the frigid water.

3 kayakers found dead in water of Alaska glacier
Authorities in Alaska are investigating the deaths of three kayakers whose bodies were found in the water of a glacier.
CBC

Shiner Surfperch (Cymatogaster aggregata) in Southcentral Alaska
This catch in a Tatitlek herring net places a school of shiner surfperch about 700 km north of their normal range.

Not a dream: Eureka Lodge awakes to ‘very unusual’ late-spring dump of snow
The lodge at above 3,000 feet altitude on the Glenn Highway measured 6 to 8 inches of snow as of Monday morning -- and it was still falling.
Glennallen, Alaska, United States

Its June, but one Alaska community just got half a foot of snow
Summer slowly arrived in Alaska this month, but if you live in Glennallen, you may be having very different emotions regarding June weather.
KTUU

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.
KTUU News

Cleanup indicates Valdez spill bigger than initially thought
According to Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, approximately 400 gallons of an oily water mix had been recovered from the Port of Valdez as of Saturday night.
Alaska Public Media
Elizabeth Harball, Alaska's Energy Desk - Anchorage

Family watches in horror as cabin is swept away by river in Alaska
A family in Alaska watched in horror as their beloved cabin (pictured) that was built in the 1940s was swept away by the Matanuska River over the Fourth of July weekend.
Matanusak River, Alaska, United States
Mail Online

What has happened to our Chugach Dall sheep?
Is climate change reducing the quantity and quality of Alaska's Dall sheep habitat? That's the hypothesis being tested by two researchers.
Nelchina Glacier, Alaska, United States
Alaska Dispatch News

Toads (Anaxyrus boreas) Re-emerge
First toad sighting in years.

Unknown Bug (Ichneumonidae)
Unknown bug

Mountain Lion (Puma concolor)
A mountain lion is robbing the tribal fish wheel in Tazlina. There have been several sightings in recent years.
Tazlina, Alaska, United States

River Changing - Chistochina Low and Slow
Chistochina River change
Chistochina, Alaska, United States

Unusual Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) Behavior
Majority of the red salmon went up the middle of the Klutina River and tended to weigh a pound or less.
Copper Center, Alaska, United States

Tourist Killed by Ice fall, Knik Glacier Alaska
The victim, identified as 28-year-old Alexander Hellweger, was part of a group of eight friends from Italy and Belgium vacationing in Alaska.

Support

Observation Template