Alaska’s Department of Transportation operates a howitzer to protect Thane, a community of about 60 houses 5 miles south of downtown Juneau.
Weather
Ask a Climatologist: River breakup is all about spring temps
The date and severity of river breakup in Alaska depends a lot on temperatures in April and May.
Kake resident remembers ’64 earthquake as state recognizes disaster saftety
A tsunami warning drill takes place once a year, and one village in Southeast has not forgotten the importance of being ready when disaster strikes.
Ask a Climatologist: Arctic sea ice drives climate around the globe
Across the globe, the entire atmospheric circulation pattern is driven by temperature differences between the tropical latitudes and the Arctic.
AEL&P crews attack avalanches before they strike
Gone are the days of throwing explosives from the air. AEL&P’s avalanche crews trigger slides using a Daisybell, dangling about 150 feet from a helicopter. This is a cheaper — and safer — solution.
Ask a Climatologist: Clear and cold on repeat
For most of the state, the entire month of March has been clear and cold.
March snowstorms create boom times for Eaglecrest Ski Area
Paltry snow levels in the past two years spooked many skiers and season pass sales suffered. But with this latest burst of snow, Eaglecrest’s fans are coming back — one day at a time.
Ask a Climatologist: The sun is back and so is winter melt
Even when it’s below freezing, direct sunlight works to melt some snow and ice in Alaska in March.
Nome could see Iditarod champ as early as Tuesday afternoon
Nome may be less than 24 hours away from its 2017 Iditarod finish. Assuming no unexpected complications or changes in his pace, Mitch Seavey could arrive under the Burled Arch as this year’s Iditarod champion by about 7 p.m. Tuesday night — perhaps slightly earlier.
300 miles to Nome: Race dynamics change as Iditarod moves to the coast
Iditarod teams have left the Yukon river and reached the Bering Sea coast. Mushers are shedding equipment, dropping slow dogs, and looking to make a move in the final 300 miles of the Iditarod.