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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

Wildfire reported east of Unalakleet, smokejumpers responding
A wildfire known as Rabbit Fire #176 broke out about seven miles east of Unalakleet on June 17, 2025, prompting a team of six smokejumpers, water scoopers, a helicopter, and a reconnaissance plane to respond and safely evacuate a nearby camp before containing the blaze by late evening.
Unalakleet, Alaska, United States
KNOM Radio Mission

Late Freeze-Up on Elim Creek
Observers in Elim, Alaska, report an unusually late freeze-up of local creeks, a trend echoed across the Seward Peninsula and other parts of Alaska, attributed to warmer than normal air temperatures and impacting travel and subsistence activities.
Elim, Alaska, United States

Town covered by sand from storm
After severe flooding from Storm Merbok, the waters have recided leaving the town digging out a giant sand box.
Golovin, Alaska, United States
Jacquelyn Overbeck, Carol Oliver, Nic Kinsman, James Benzschawel

Unalakleet’s boil water notice extended as work on main water line continues
The City of Unalakleet now has a working generator to power its local water plant, but the community plans to be on a boil water notice for an extended period of time.
Unalakleet, Alaska, United States
KNOM Radio Mission

‘Half of Golovin underwater,’ residents shovel sand out of homes
GOLOVIN RESIDENTS ARE IN CLEANUP MODE as their community works to restore power, phone service and clear debris. After the flood waters receded from the weekend’s severe fall storm, some locals are left with feet of sand in their homes. “At my place we’ve got three feet of sand we’re still shoveling out with the crew here, trying to get the sand out of the living area so we can get the sheetrock to go ahead and dry off,” Alaska Senator Donny Olson of Golovin said.
Golovin, Alaska, United States
KNOM Radio Mission

Storm destroys Shaktoolik’s berm, its main protection from the sea
Shaktoolik has lost its berm to the storm that’s hammered Western Alaska over the weekend, according to Mayor Lars Sookiayak. The berm was all that protected the small village from the sea. “It really saved us from the first hit that came in this morning,” one resident said.
Shaktoolik, Alaska, United States
KTOO

Cormorants establishing new rookery
The cormorants moved in when the peregrins did not return this year. "We believe (they did not return) because of the bird flu."
Golovin, Alaska, United States
Mike Brook, Gay Sheffield, Toby Anungazuk Jr

Extremely windy on the lagoon
Many boats had to be secured & moved this morning. Hoping winds & rain slow down, but in the forecast.
James Benzschawel, Carol Oliver, Anahma Shannon, Richard L Thoman Jr, Racheal Lee, Edward "Ted" Smith, Gay Sheffield

Stickleback fish die-off
There were a plenty of what appeared to be juvenile dead stickle back fish on the top of the embankment of a few ponds.
Elim, Alaska, United States
Gay Sheffield, Jayde Ferguson, Brandon Ahmasuk, Leigh Takak, Scott Kent

Growing cases of bird illness in Norton Sound
Over the past five days there have been increasing reports of unusual behavior in a variety of bird species including brant goose, snow goose, white-fronted goose, and Canada goose.
Maija Lukin, Raphaela Stimmelmayr, Erin Nelson, Andrew Ramey, Carmen Daggett, Carol Oliver, Mike Brook, Louisa Castrodale, Bill Carter, Susan Georgette, Eric Taylor, Kayla Nay, Angela Matz, Brandon Ahmasuk, Gay Sheffield, Brian Lefferts, Kimberlee Beckmen, Bob Gerlach, Racheal Lee

Fallen Healthy Trees
There are at least 10 or more what appears to be otherwise healthy trees that have just fallen over.
Elim, Alaska, United States
Leigh Takak, Jessie Moan, Elizabeth Graham, Anahma Shannon

Early ocean ice break-up
"We used to have snowmobile races on the ocean ice in front of Elim during the first weekend in April but we cannot have any races this year."
Gay Sheffield, Leigh Takak, Matthew Druckenmiller, Anahma Shannon, Richard L Thoman Jr, Mike Brook

Unalakleet perseveres through water shortage, looks ahead to future system
Unalakleet’s supply of water was running on empty following a nasty freeze-up at the end of December. Freezing rain led to a frozen pool of standing water that shifted the community’s pump house before the New Year. This dropped the flow of water into the water tank and levels were down to two feet earlier the first week of January.
Unalakleet, Alaska, United States

Storm related flooding and infrastructure damage
"We lost internet and a power outage effected several residential homes and businesses. Of course there was no way to travel. Thankfully no medical emergencies."
Carol Oliver, Racheal Lee, Edward "Ted" Smith, Anahma Shannon

A Fall Storm in the Summer
Unusual mid summer storm in Golovin and local observations about changes in the salmon harvest.

Sea Life Die-Off Found on Beach
"While on a field trip for work, we stopped at the beach and you can notice hundreds of dead clams and star fish littering the beach."
Carol Oliver, Derek Sikes, Leigh Takak, Gay Sheffield, Racheal Lee

Flying Debris Severs Power Line in Unalakleet Due to High, Gusting Winds
Yesterday, damaging high wind in Unalakleet sent debris flying into high voltage power lines, knocking out electricity for half of the village. After roughly nine hours, electricity was restored to…

Grasshoppers are Becoming More Common
Warming temperatures may support growing grasshopper populations along the southern Seward Peninsula.
Koyuk, Alaska, United States

Low Water and Few Fish
Early snowmelt and low precipitation have led to low river water levels on the southern Seward Peninsula. Low water levels may be a contributing factor in observations of poor fishing, and poor fish health, along the western coast of Alaska.

Spruce Trees Producing Huge Amounts of Cones
Unusually large cone crops may be the result of favorable variations in weather across several years.
Koyuk, Alaska, United States

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.

Big Winds Blowing in Norton Sound
Local reports on the big storm system hitting northern and western Alaska.
Racheal Lee, Anahma Shannon, Mike Brubaker, Edward "Ted" Smith, Carol Oliver

Erosion of Gravesites along River

Concerned about Safety of Harvested Salmon After Warm Season
Warmer summers in Alaska means that extra precautions are needed to keep fish cool from the time of harvest until it has been processed and put away.
Gay Sheffield, Ted Meyers, Anahma Shannon, Carol Oliver, Louisa Castrodale, Racheal Lee, Jayde Ferguson

Permafrost Thaw and Related Flooding
Concern about permafrost thaw and possible impacts to underground water and wastewater lines.
Racheal Lee, Carol Oliver, David Beveridge, Mike Brubaker, Katie Lund, Bradford Blackstone, Anahma Shannon, John Warren

Unusually High Number of Horseflies (Tabanidae) and Wasps (Vespula)
Unusually high number of horseflies and wasps observed during a year with temperatures and precipitation levels above normal.
Koyuk, Alaska, United States
Sarah Yoder, Rebecca Charles, Derek Sikes

August Storm Resulted in High Water
An unseasonable rain event brought high rainfall and led to high water, especially around noon on August 3rd.
Anahma Shannon, Gay Sheffield, Racheal Lee, John Henry, Richard L Thoman Jr, Edward "Ted" Smith

Storm-related Erosion in Shaktoolik
"We were lucky to have the berm in place. The next day, the water levels went down and the erosion was noticeable."
Shaktoolik, Alaska, United States
Anahma Shannon, Racheal Lee, Jacquelyn Overbeck, Richard Buzard, Jolene Auliye, Gay Sheffield, Edward "Ted" Smith

Thunderstorm in Repeat Succession
Thunderstorms are unusual in Unalakleet; however, a thunderstorm cell persisted in the area for longer than usual. Hot, dry conditions across Alaska have increased the risk of wildland fire, including that started from lightening strike.

Fish Die-Off Tubutulik River
We observed more than 50 otherwise healthy (not spawned out) dead fish including pink and chum salmon and white fish

Lots of Dead Female Pink (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) Salmon
Warm water near Golovin is hurting pink salmon. Many salmon caught had red speckled dots on flesh, raising concerns about food safety. Female pink salmon were seen dead in the bay.

Dead Silver Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in Kouwegoki Slough and Along Powers Creek, Among Other Locations
In early July, dead fish were observed floating along Kouwegoki Slough and along Powers Creek, among other locations.
John Henry, Racheal Lee, Anahma Shannon, Gay Sheffield

Warmer waters believed to be main cause for dead pink salmon in Norton Sound
Norton Sound residents have reported salmon die-offs in unusually large numbers during the last week. According to the Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation (NSEDC), dead pre-spawned pink salmon were found in multiple river systems over the weekend.
Shaktoolik, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

Extremely Warm Temperatures
It was also during the week where a number of dead fish started to occur along the riverine segment.
Anahma Shannon, John Henry, Richard L Thoman Jr, Gay Sheffield, Austin Ahmasuk

Pink Salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) and Other Fish Dying in Warm Water
Gay Sheffield, Chris Dankmeyer, Anahma Shannon, Rebecca Charles, Austin Ahmasuk, Racheal Lee, Jayde Ferguson

Fire Smoke in Unalakleet Area
Smoke from the North River fire is impacting outdoor air quality. The ADEC Division of Air Quality has issued an air quality advisory in effect from Tuesday, June 18, 2019 8:00 AM to Friday June 21, 2019 4:00 PM.

Observed Smoke from Forest Fire
Smoke from the South River Hills Fire could be seen from Unalakleet. The fire began approximately 6 miles from the community, and grew from 30 to 160 acres.It was contained by BLM Alaska Fire Service Smokejumers by 11pm on June 9, 2019.

Underweight bearded seal pup found near Shaktoolik is now recovering at the Alaska SeaLife Center
The rehabilitation center in Seward doesn’t usually get bearded seals, which live much farther north.
Anchorage Daily News

A Warming Arctic Hits Iditarod: Open Water Along the Trail Where There’s Normally Ice
Usually, in March, the Bering Sea ice is reaching its thickest extent. But from the beach in Unalakleet, the full horizon is blue ocean water, punctuated infrequently by lone icebergs.

Coastal Flood Advisory
Olivia Lee, Richard L Thoman Jr, John Henry

Pale Green Waters Spell Danger
When the green water is here, its dangerous to travel straight across the Lagoon to White Mountain. In the past we took the land route, cross on Kitchavik river and on up over land to White Mountain.

Changing winter conditions
This was the warmest autumn on record for western Alaska. Local observer comments on how lack of sea ice is effecting fish and bird behavior.

Low Coastal Cloud Ceiling on Landing
White, puffy, clouds unusually close to the land.

High River Water Overflow
Heavy spring precipitation leads to strong river flow, sweeping away cabin and fish rack.

Fire Near Unalakleet
Wildfire smoke visible in Unalakleet.

Increased Turbulent Experience and High Winds While Flying during Winter Season
Passenger experiences usually turbulent conditions on winter flights.

Seabirds again washing ashore dead in Western Alaska
Birds have been reported dead or behaving strangely in communities throughout the Bering Strait region, from Shishmaref to Unalakleet and on St. Lawrence Island.
Anchorage Daily News

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

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.

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

Unalakleet's Fall Storm Aftermath 11/09
Using a hand-held Garmin Montana 650t unit, I took photos of the tideline in three areas.

Unalakleet's Fall Storm Aftermath
I documented my tracks using the Garmin unit adjusting the track setting to log about every 5 feet, which was saved as a GPS Exchange (GPX) Format. From there, I imported the information into Google Earth Desktop as a KML track.

Late Blooming Flowers
We do not ever recall having flowers blooming this late in the year.

Debris Eroding from Old Dumpsite
Community concerned about health and safety from old site.
Cheenik Creek, Alaska, United States

Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) Confusion - Flying North then South
There were lines of cranes flying north and then this morning just before daylight, flying south

Fire Smoke Encroaching into Unalakleet
A haze surrounding the hills had a distinct smell of burned wood.

Worm Species Found During Beluga Hunt
Several dozen worms were observed during a Beluga hunt in Norton Bay.
Norton Bay, Alaska, United States

Fast Moving Hail Storm
Observed fast moving weather system... as quickly as it came it abated.

Fast Sea Ice Movement

First Compton Tortoiseshell Butterfly of the Year
Spring is approaching but it still seems too cold for this little guy.

Climate change hits Alaska's rural water systems
Thawing permafrost is warping water and sewer lines. Along the coast and rivers, erosion is threatening the lakes that communities use for drinking water or the lagoons where they dump sewage.
KTOO

Dark Winter Mystery Salmon
Traditional knowledge keepers and ADFG identify as a chum salmon.
Martha Turner, Patricia Yaska, Erica Lujan, Robert Hannon

Open Water Adds to Winter Chill - Part 1
Unusually wet winter weather activity observed. Traveling in early February (AFE) disrupted travel due to weather conditions.

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

Morning Winter Fog
An unusual morning haze "winter fog", was observed, attributed to a layer of moist air trapped near the ground.

Healthy Snowfall is Back
Three healthy snowfalls with progessively more snow each time.

Late Freeze-up of Koyuk River
Koyuk River foze solid by Oct-14 by the 28th there was open water.

Sea Ice - No Sea Ice!?
Sea ice is here and then disapears.

Low Salmon Numbers
Commercial and Subsistence Harvest

So Many Mushrooms
Golovin ponders fungus bloom

Red Grasshopper
A unique insect?

Uncommon Fish (Lota lota) Found In Koyuk River
Fish

Unusual Weather Pattern
Unusual weather pattern that changes conditions quickly.

Early Allergy Season
Allergy season happening sooner

Unalakleet River Goes Out Early
Unalakleet River goes out early

Warm Wind with Drizzling Rain
A heatwave in Unalakleet, Alaska.

Good Year for Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus)
Good year for Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta)

Extreme Weather
High rate of change in weather conditions

Spring River Ice Change
Spring river ice change - Unalakleet, Alaska, USA

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

Unseasonably Warm
11-13-14 Unseasonable warm - Unalakleet, Alaska, USA

Sink Holes next to Main Street
Koyuk, Alaska, USA

Kelp Greenling (Hexagrammos decagrammus)
7-3-14 Kelp greenling - Golovin, Alaska, USA
Golovin, Alaska, USA

Pacific Herring Clupea pallasii Early
Hunters noticed some herring were starting to spawn near Cape Denbigh. The herring scheduled to arrive on May 25th, are over a week early.
Shaktoolik, Alaska, USA

Finally Snow in Golovin
There has been a lack of snow in the Golovin area ever since the January 2014 warm spell.

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

Coyote sighting
1-23-14 Coyote sighting - Shaktoolik, Alaska, USA
Shaktoolik, Alaska, USA

Finally snow - then rain
1-20-14 Snow then rain - Shaktoolik, Alaska, USA
Shaktoolik, Alaska, USA

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

Storm Surge
Early fall weather conditions brought on an extreme storm surge in a Norton Sound community.

Storm Damage
Series of storms contribute to flooding, erosion, infrastructure damage.

Ice Fishing Hazardous
11-4-13 Ice fishing hazardous - Golovin, Alaska, USA

Warm weather delays subsistence
10-24-13 Warm weather delays subsistence - Shaktoolik, Alaska, USA

Mussel Roe Fouls Fishing Gear
Salmon and crab gear seeing an incredible increase in mussel roe and slime.

Too Wet for Food Preserving
10-15 13 Too wet for food preservation - Elim, Alaska, USA

Muddy River Raises Salmon Concerns
Thawing permafrost and river bank collapsed on the Cheenik Creek.

Abundant Salmon Berries (Vaccinium ovalifolium)
The past couple of years there haven't been a lot to pick.

Low River Level
6-8-13 Low water level - Shaktoolik, Alaska, USA

Low Number of Birds
6-2-13 Low number of birds - Golovin, Alaska, USA

Changing Sea Ice
3-5-13 Changing sea ice - Unalakleet, Alaska, USA

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

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

No Snow on the Seward Peninsula
Despite the time of year, there is still no snow on the Seward Peninsula.

Worms (Splendidofilaria pectoralis) in Grouse and Ptarmigan
Species of nematode *Splendidofilaria pectoralis* has been described in blue grouse (Dendragapus obscurus pallidus) in British Columbia, but never as far north and west as Unalakleet.
Victoria Kotongan, Caroline Van Hemert, Todd O'Hara

Thawing and Eroding Trail
Permafrost thaw is causing trail in Golovin to erode.

Dead Beluga Whale (Delphinapterus leucas)
At Moses Point, Northeast of Elim, we found a dead beluga whale.

Dead Baby Belugas (Delphinapterus leucas)
Several sightings of dead baby belugas were reported on the shores of the community and in the area over the past few days.

Ice Departure Delayed
Sea ice conditions making it difficult for community to harvest seasonal fish.

Seal with Hair Loss
Seal with hair loss observed in Bering Strait region

Late Freeze-up
Late freeze-up of sea ice along the shoreline

Sick Ringed Seal

Stranded Ringed Seal (Phoca hispida)

Ringed seal

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