Juneau Overwhelmed by Snowpocalypse; Schools Close Amid Storage Crisis
Juneau is currently facing unprecedented snowfall, leading to significant disruption for its residents. The latest winter storm, which began on Sunday night, added an additional 4 feet of snow to the already hefty accumulation from the holiday season.
Winter Storm Impacts Juneau
As of Monday afternoon, the National Weather Service reported that Juneau received between 6 inches to a foot of new snow during the ongoing storm. In response to the hazardous conditions, city offices and local schools were closed on Tuesday.
Weather Conditions
Nicole Ferrin, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Juneau, noted unusual weather patterns for this time of year. Despite some areas experiencing temperatures above freezing, snowfall continued. “We’re seeing some unusual observations as far as temperatures right now,” Ferrin stated.
She explained that precipitation remains complex, with snow showers expected to persist throughout Tuesday.
City Response to Snow Accumulation
Juneau’s Harbormaster, Matt Creswell, reported that the city has augmented its docks and harbors team by hiring nine additional staff members to assist with snow removal. Fortunately, no boats have sunk since last week, indicating some success in managing the situation.
- City staff working to clear snow
- Relatively clean snow authorized for dumping into Gastineau Channel
- Residents can park for free in downtown garages
The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation has permitted the city to dump clean snow into the Gastineau Channel due to limited space for land storage. However, snow contaminated by salt and de-icing chemicals is excluded from this allowance.
Infrastructure Damage
The city is still evaluating damages resulting from the record snowfall. Several structures, including the Fred Meyer gas station awning and the roof of the Juneau Shotokan Karate Club, sustained serious damage. Doug Murray, the dojo’s chief instructor, expressed concern over the impact of the cave-in.
“That’s a big blow,” Murray said, noting the dojo’s history of over 40 years in its current location.
The karate club is now seeking a temporary venue while the building undergoes evaluation for structural integrity.
Community Preparedness
In anticipation of the storm, many residents took proactive measures to clear roofs, driveways, and vehicles. The city also published a detailed map highlighting fire hydrants and storm drains to assist in snow management.
As the community grapples with the fallout from this snowpocalypse, ongoing efforts are focused on maintaining safety and accessibility in Juneau amidst challenging winter conditions.
