A lot of science involves happy accidents. A retired scientist from Oregon stepped off the ferry in Sitka late last month, and on a hunch decided to look around the woods for an old friend.
Weather
Sitka considers code changes in landslide zones
The state is currently mapping the potential risk for landslides in Sitka. This time next year, the Sitka Assembly will be presented with a community-wide map. Whether they adopt the maps or not, city staff wanted to be prepared for how the information could affect property development.
Snow derails international bike race, but not unicyclists
for the first time ever, the nearly 150-mile Kluane-Chilkat International Bike Relay was canceled when snow and slush compromised the safety of the course. Four of the about 1,300 people registered braved the highly unusual summer snowstorm to complete the entire race. And, they did it on one wheel.
Nineteen new wildfires appear in western Alaska within a day
No injuries or building damages have been reported as a result of the fires in the Galena zone or the Deadman’s Slough fire. It is unknown when these fires will be put out.
Study looks at climate change’s effects on Kodiak berries, wildlife
Bill Pyle, supervisory wildlife biologist with Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, just wrapped up a two-year pilot study that study helps cement the monitoring methods they’ll use to study berry growth in the future.
Dillingham beekeepers set up hives, aiming to maintain them year-round
Pamela Murphy keeps bees for two reasons: It is a hobby and a research experiment that she is conducting in partnership with University of Alaska Fairbanks.
North Robertson wildfire suspected to be human caused
The season’s first major wildfire response is underway near Tok. The North Robertson Fire, about 30 miles northwest of Tok is being fought from the air and on the ground.
Ask a Climatologist: Will May gloom bring summer doom?
May weather can’t tell us much about what the rest of the summer will hold in Southcentral Alaska.
Military mortuary employee allegedly offered peek at John Glenn’s remains
DOD inspectors declined the offer and “at no time viewed the remains” during a review of the mortuary at Dover Air Force Base. The Air Force says it will investigate the incident.
Monsoon-triggered mudslides, floods in Sri Lanka kill more than 90 people
Evacuations are underway, with helicopters and boats trying to reach stranded communities. More than 100 more people are missing, the country’s disaster management center says.