Juneau Battles Snow as Fred Meyer Closes for Removal Efforts

Juneau is grappling with significant snowfall as the community works to recover from a particularly harsh winter storm. The recent weather has resulted in over four feet of snow descending on the city, prompting closures and emergency responses from local businesses and authorities.

Fred Meyer Closure Amid Snow Removal Efforts

Fred Meyer, a key grocery store in Juneau, has temporarily closed its doors to facilitate snow removal efforts. The decision was made after the store closed early on Thursday, January 1, 2026. Spokesperson Tiffany Sanders indicated that the store will reopen once conditions permit, emphasizing the need for public patience during this challenging time.

Structural Damage from Heavy Snow

As the snow accumulation continues, reports of structural damage have emerged. The roof of a Fred Meyer gas station collapsed, forcing it to close as well. Additionally, the Juneau Shotokan Karate dojo in the Mendenhall Valley experienced a roof collapse on January 1. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported as the building was unoccupied.

Impact on Local Shipping and Harbors

• At least nine vessels and several boat shelters have sunk at Juneau’s harbors.
• The city’s docks and harbors staff are addressing numerous reports of boats in distress.
• Harbormaster Matt Creswell noted a significant number of near misses involving boats.

The recovery operation for the sunken vessels is anticipated to be extensive. Creswell stated that the process of raising the boats could take several weeks, with city staff fully engaged in this critical work.

Ongoing Snow Removal Challenges

In addition to the business closures and dock issues, the snow removal efforts face logistical challenges. City Manager Katie Koester described the slow process of transporting snow, which requires loading it into dump trucks for removal from the area. The snow storage sites are also reaching capacity due to the unprecedented amount of snowfall.

Weather Update and Future Forecast

The National Weather Service reported more than 80 inches of snow fell at Juneau International Airport last month. This total marks December as the second snowiest month in recorded history for the city. Fortunately, no major snow is expected until Monday, January 5, 2026, but temperatures are projected to drop over the weekend, complicating the ongoing snow management efforts.