Juneau, Alaska Faces Snow Crisis: Local Disaster Declared

URGENT UPDATE: Juneau, Alaska is in a state of emergency as residents grapple with the aftermath of record-breaking snowfall and prepare for more winter storms. Following an astonishing 82 inches of snow in December alone, the city is now bracing for another 8-16 inches expected through Friday, January 7, 2025.

Authorities confirmed that the City and Borough of Juneau, alongside the Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, issued a local disaster declaration as snow began to accumulate again Wednesday afternoon. Gov. Mike Dunleavy subsequently announced a state disaster declaration, mobilizing emergency resources to assist with the ongoing crisis.

Residents are facing a dire situation with nowhere to put the ever-increasing snow. Local resident Tom Skinner shared, “There’s not enough places to put our snow here in Juneau.” Cleanup crews are employing industrial-sized snow blowers to transfer snow into semis, with a designated parking lot near the glacier serving as the temporary dumping ground.

As the heavy snow blankets rooftops and vehicles, concerns are rising regarding structural integrity. Reports indicate that several homes and boathouses have already collapsed under the weight of accumulated snow. The U.S. Coast Guard warned that “heavy snow can quickly reduce stability and cause vessels to sink,” leading to potential property damage and environmental pollution.

“Several homes and buildings have had their roofs cave in from the amount of weight of the snow,” said Aaron Rigsby, a local storm chaser.

Conditions worsened when temperatures fluctuated, causing melting snow to mix with rainfall, compounding the risk of flooding. 1-3 inches of rain is predicted for the end of the week, raising alarm over flooding, particularly in areas with deep snowpack. AccuWeather meteorologist Tyler Roys confirmed, “Flooding concerns will increase once snow changes to rain.”

Residents have been urged to clear snow from roofs and boats immediately to prevent further collapses. Rigsby noted the urgency, stating, “Look at this! This thing is buried. I’ve got two vehicles that I won’t see till spring.”

The winter weather in Juneau has been unprecedented, with December 2025 marking the second-highest monthly snowfall on record. AccuWeather’s meteorologist Alyssa Glenny explained that an amplified jet stream pattern led to these highly anomalous conditions, with moisture-filled storms striking the region in waves.

As the forecast remains grim, with more storms anticipated next week, residents are left on edge. Cleanup efforts continue amid fears of further roof collapses, flooding, and the impact on the local economy and infrastructure.

Stay tuned for updates as this situation develops, and check on local officials for guidance on safety measures and emergency resources.