Record snow sinks multiple vessels at Juneau Harbor, triggers avalanche risk in Alaska
Record December snowfall reaching over 200 cm (80 inches) in Juneau, Alaska, caused multiple vessels to sink in the city’s harbors as heavy, wet snow accumulated. The heavy snow was driven by multiple atmospheric rivers, which brought heavy precipitation to much of the region through late December 2025.
Sunken vehicle due to heavy snow at Juneau Harbor, Alaska - December 2025. Credit: Juneau Harbor
Record-breaking snowfall in December 2025 has caused significant damage across Juneau, Alaska, sinking multiple large vessels in the city’s harbors.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the city received 209 cm (82.3 inches) of snow in December, surpassing the previous record of 139 cm (54.7 inches) set in 1964.
The heaviest accumulation occurred on December 30, when 41.7 cm (16.4 inches) of snow fell within 24 hours, setting a new daily snowfall record for the month. Snow depth reached 127 cm (50 inches) by December 31, marking one of the highest end-of-year totals ever recorded in Southeast Alaska.
Sunken vessels were seen in Juneau harbor. Credit: Juneau Harbor- Credit: Juneau Harbor
- Sunken vessels were seen in Juneau harbor. Credit: Juneau Harbor
Temperatures dipped as low as −23°C (−10°F) due to cold Arctic air, with sustained snowfall and freezing conditions creating dense snow buildup on docks and vessel decks. The added weight caused at least eight vessels to partially or fully sink at the city’s harbors.
The NWS office in Juneau reported 160 mm (6.31 inches) of precipitation for the month, driven by multiple atmospheric rivers that brought several days of heavy precipitation to Southeast Alaska. The storms were associated with strong onshore flow and low-level moisture convergence, producing continuous snowfall rather than the usual winter rain.
- Crews working on sunken vessels were seen in Juneau harbor on January 1, 2025. Credit: Juneau Harbor
- Crews working on sunken vessels were seen in Juneau harbor on January 1, 2025. Credit: Juneau Harbor
- Heavy snow accumulations at Juneau, Alaska on January 1, 2025. Credit: Juneau Harbor
- Heavy snow accumulations at Juneau, Alaska on January 1, 2025. Credit: Juneau Harbor
- Heavy snow accumulations at Juneau, Alaska. Credit Juneau Harbor
Harbor personnel have been working continuously to dewater and refloat affected boats, though operations remain limited by weather and resource availability.
Coast Guard officials warned that heavy snow loads can significantly reduce vessel stability, increasing the risk of capsizing and potential fuel spills.
Avalanche risk remains elevated in steep terrain areas surrounding Juneau. Thane Road and other avalanche-prone corridors were closed temporarily for mitigation operations.
City services, including waste collection and some airport operations, were disrupted during the peak of the storm cycle. The Juneau International Airport temporarily closed runways for snow removal but has since reopened following improved conditions.
References:
1 Preliminary local climatological data – NWS – December 2025
2 Heavy snow and extreme weather cause sunken vessels and avalanche risk in Alaska – Fox Weather – January 1, 2026
3 Thane Road Avalanche Hazard Reduction and Closure Notices – Alaska DOT – December 31, 2025
4 CBJ Avalanche Advisory Update – CBJ – December 31, 2025
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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