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The LEO Network is a worldwide network of observers and experts that share their observations of environmental change.
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Region weathers storm with some flooding, prepares for upcoming storm on the weekend
A powerful coastal storm brought flooding and damaging winds to western Alaska on Oct. 8, with severe flooding and evacuations in Kotzebue and high water reported across the Bering Strait/Norton Sound region. Communities are now preparing for a larger storm expected over the weekend, with state emergency operations activated.
Nome, Alaska, United States
The Nome Nugget
Diana Haecker and Ariana Crockett O’Harra

Damage to low-lying homes and bridge reported in wake of Juneau’s record glacial outburst
Authorities are still taking stock of Mendenhall River flooding, but new temporary riverfront barriers appear to have staved off the kind of severe damage seen in 2024.
Juneau, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

N.S. crops withering in dry conditions, hitting farmers in the pocketbook
A Pictou County farmer reports that many crops have failed after an irrigation pond and well dried up amid a prolonged dry spell, costing producers thousands in lost sales.
Westville, Nova Scotia, Canada
CBC News

In Photos: The Aftermath of the Historic Earthquake in Russia's Far East
Photos show flooding and structural damage in Severo-Kurilsk and Kamchatka after a magnitude 8.8 earthquake and tsunami struck Russia’s Far East on July 30, 2025.
Kamchatka Peninsula, Kamchatka Krai, Russia
The Moscow Times

Pink salmon trap 'closes' river in Nord-Troms
Reisa Elvelag has installed the country’s largest floating grate trap across the Reisa River in Nordreisa, blocking the river on July 26 and capturing 30 pink salmon within hours.
Nordreisa, Troms og Finnmark, Norway
NRK

Ottawa spends $3.2M to protect Gilford Island village from erosion, flooding
The Village of Gwa’yas’dums on Gilford Island will receive over $3.2 million from the Canadian federal government to reinforce its shoreline against climate-driven erosion and coastal flooding.
Village of Gwa’yas’dums, Gilford Island, British Columbia, Canada
CHEK

New Trap to Stop Pink Salmon in the Tana River
The Norwegian Veterinary Institute begins building a trap at Seida to sort out invasive pink salmon migrating up the Tana River.
Seida, Tana Municipality, Troms og Finnmark, Norway
NRK Troms og Finnmark

Juneau installs miles of temporary barriers after devastating glacial floods
A longer-term fix could still be years away and cost hundreds of millions of dollars.
Juneau, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Kuskokwim breakup proceeds at rapid pace for middle-river communities
The Kuskokwim River breakup has reached Sleetmute and Red Devil more than 200 miles downstream in five days—about five days ahead of schedule—with low flooding potential reported for middle-river communities.
Middle Kuskokwim River, Alaska, United States
KYUK

Sharp fall in rare bird (Slavonian grebe) numbers at loch beauty spot sparks water access restrictions consultation
Highland Council is consulting on water activity restrictions at Loch Ruthven after a dramatic decline in the breeding Slavonian grebe population was recorded.
Loch Ruthven, Farr, Highlands, Scotland, United Kingdom
Inverness Courier

Water testing increased after 96‑litre fuel spill in Baker Lake, Nunavut
Residents of Baker Lake remain under a boil‑water advisory after 96 litres of heating fuel spilled near the community’s water intake, prompting increased sampling and monitoring.
Baker Lake, Nunavut, Canada
CBC News

Months after fish died near an Alaska mine, its owner and state regulators still don't know what killed them.
An investigation into the death of roughly 100 fish near Alaska’s Kensington gold mine remains inconclusive months later, with both state regulators and Coeur Mining unable to pinpoint the cause despite extensive testing.
Juneau, Alaska, United States
Chilkat Valley News

Glaciers in Europe have retreated by Kilometers
Researchers warn that European glaciers are retreating rapidly, exemplified by significant losses in Norwegian glaciers, potentially jeopardizing water supplies, agriculture, and energy. The article highlights the urgency of glacier conservation on World Glacier Day 2025.
Tromsø, Troms og Finnmark, Norway
The Barents Observer

Severe Storm Highlights Need for Stronger Sea Defences
A powerful storm in southwest Iceland caused extensive coastal damage and raised concerns over the adequacy of existing sea defences, prompting calls for a significant increase in funding for future protection.
Sandgerði, Reykjanes, Iceland
Iceland Review

Snowpack above average in Klondike: Yukon government
A Yukon government survey reveals significantly above average snowpack levels in parts of the territory, particularly in the Klondike region, signaling a potential for increased flood risk.
Klondike, Yukon Territory, Canada
Yukon News

Fish Death at Power Plants – Lack of Fish Passages is the Cause
A new study in Sweden finds that most of the approximately 1,600 power plant facilities lack fish passages, which sometimes leads to fish fatalities.
Nationwide, Sweden, Sweden
SVT Nyheter

Federal disaster declaration approved for Northwest Alaska flooding
President Biden has approved federal disaster assistance for Northwestern Alaska regions affected by severe flooding and storms in October 2024.
Northwest Alaska, United States
Alaska's News Source

With walls, berms and raised roads, Fort McMurray is working to keep its river from overflowing
Fort McMurray, vulnerable to ice jam floods, is enhancing its infrastructure with walls, berms, and raised roads to prevent future flooding, following a significant incident in 2020.
Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada
CBC News

B.C. team building 100 beaver 'starter homes' in the name of wetland preservation
The B.C. Wildlife Federation is constructing 100 artificial beaver dams by 2025 to encourage beaver population growth and restore wetland ecosystems.
British Columbia, Canada
CTV News

City council extends Spit emergency declaration
The Homer City Council has extended the local emergency declaration for Homer Spit, originally issued after significant storm surge damage, and is seeking further state and federal disaster assistance.
Homer, Alaska, United States
Homer News

Spawning salmon return to urban Vancouver streams, inspire conservation
Rehabilitation efforts have successfully brought spawning salmon back to urban streams in Metro Vancouver, highlighting the importance of conservation and community stewardship.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Yukon News

Many Halifax lakes are too salty. That's a problem for the fish and plants that live in them
New data reveals high salinity levels in several Halifax lakes, posing a threat to aquatic life. Halifax considers new measures to manage salt runoff.
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Weeks after storm damaged over 50 Kotzebue properties, local responders carry on with repairs
In Kotzebue, Alaska, local responders continue to repair over 50 properties severely damaged by a storm in October, focusing on essential infrastructure before winter begins.
Kotzebue, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

After flood, Kotzebue residents take stock of damaged homes and property, and take care of one another
At least 30 houses still needed repairs, cleanup was ongoing, and the city’s residents grappled with the need to fix snowmachines, keep their soaked houses warm and prepare for future emergencies.
Kotzebue, Alaska, United States

Helicopter rescue, washed-out roads: After flooding displaces 80 people, Kotzebue begins recovery
A severe storm in Kotzebue, Alaska, caused significant flooding, displacing 80 people and damaging critical infrastructure, including roads and the airport.
Kotzebue, Alaska, United States

Elevated contaminants detected at Wolverine Mine: Yukon government
Contaminants including zinc and cadmium were found in water samples from the Wolverine Mine, exceeding federal guidelines, though tests showed no acute toxicity.
Wolverine, Yukon, Canada
NNSL Media

New research uses 130 years of historic flood observations to help identify future risks
This research compiles over a century of local flood data in Alaska to improve future flood risk prediction and planning, addressing the lack of accessible historic flood information for community and regional use.
Western and Northern, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

Trying to escape sea-level rise, Northwest coastal tribes are drowning in paperwork
A new study shows how federal grant funding has actually become an obstacle to climate adaptation.
Tokeland, Washington, United States
High Country News

New Alaska water quality rules are coming. Here's what that could mean for wastewater systems.
Alaska's impending water quality regulations may necessitate advanced treatment for contaminants like phthalates in wastewater, posing challenges for local systems to comply with stricter EPA standards.
Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

Last year’s record outburst flood took Juneau by surprise. As Suicide Basin refills, scientists are working to improve their forecasts.
Scientists are enhancing flood forecasts in Juneau as Suicide Basin refills, following an unexpected record flood last year caused by rapid drainage.
Alaska Public Media

The governor has a big decision to make about the Eklutna River and hydro project. Here’s what to know.
The article discusses a contentious proposal for new fish passage infrastructure at the Eklutna River dam, with differing plans and potential legal challenges as stakeholders await the governor's decision.
Eagle River, Alaska, United States

Sea levels are likely to rise throughout Norway as a result of climate change
The sea level will probably rise along the entire coast of Norway. Stavanger is among the most vulnerable places.
Norway
NRK

WA declares statewide drought emergency following poor snowpack
Washington State declares a statewide drought emergency due to significantly low snowpack levels, with expectations of less than 75% of the normal water supply.
Washington, United States
The Seattle Times

Nine water lines and six sewer lines remain frozen after Swan lake Loop failed last month
Emergency measures are in place in Kotzebue after a failure in the Swan Lake Loop left 74 households without water, prompting local and state officials to declare an emergency and take action to provide services and repair infrastructure.

Over 20 Alaska villages on tap for $125M in federal funds for solar and hydroelectric projects
Alaska is set to receive $125M in federal funds for renewable energy projects, benefiting over 20 villages with solar, hydroelectric, and storage initiatives.
Alaska, United States

As the permafrost melts, the houses in Nunapitchuk are breaking down
Melting permafrost in Nunapitchuk is causing severe structural damage to homes, leading to erosion, instability, and health issues for residents.
Nunapitchuk, Alaska, United States

Extreme flooding on Alaska’s Arctic highway caused thaw-induced sinking in later years
Extreme flooding on Alaska's Arctic highway in 2015 caused thaw-induced sinking in the permafrost terrain up to 3 inches deep, with the most significant effects occurring in ice-rich areas, according to a newly published study.
Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, United States

Many municipalities have not upgraded sewage systems to cope with flash-flooding
Many municipalities still have outdated sewage systems that are at risk of flooding during heavy rainfall.
Sweden

Hooper Bay's dunes, home to the community’s cultural history, are slipping into the sea
The sand dunes in Hooper Bay, Alaska, which serve as a protective barrier against storms and preserve the community's cultural history, are rapidly eroding and may lead to the relocation of the village. The dunes were once home to sod houses and artifacts dating back to 1600 A.D. The loss of the dunes threatens not only subsistence food resources but also the community's connection to its past. As the dunes continue to erode, there are concerns about the potential relocation of the community and the preservation of their stories and artifacts.
Hooper Bay, Alaska, United States
KYUK

Efforts underway to save salmon trapped in B.C. lake due to drought
More than 80 per cent of B.C.'s water basins are experiencing level 4 or 5 drought conditions, with salmon in many parts of the province struggling to make it to their spawning grounds.
Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
CBC

The Hokksund family has water in their living room for the second time – probably won't be able to move home until next year
The Hokksund family in Drammen, Norway, has experienced flooding in their living room for the second time and may not be able to return home until next year due to ongoing flooding in the area.
Drammen, Buskerud, Norway
NRK

Bjørn Ole (13) was sucked into pipes in the floodwaters
– Han har hatt helt utrolig flaks, sier mor Cecilie etter at sønnen ble dratt gjennom et over 200 meter langt rør med flomvann.
Knapstad, Viken, Norway

FEMA officials arrive in Juneau to assess flood damage
Due to recent flooding, FEMA assessors will work with state, local and tribal officials to determine if federal aid is warranted with flood and erosion damage.
Juneau Empire

Alaska to receive federal funds for fish-friendly culverts
The most-expensive project in the nationwide initiative is $25 million for Alaska to replace a dozen culvert sites along the Parks Highway.
Alaska, United States

Juneau’s worst glacial outburst flood destroys homes and displaces residents
“We started seeing structural timber,” one resident said. “And then I was like, ‘Oh, my God. That’s from houses upstream.'”

Veterans who Served on Contaminated Alaskan Bases Faced Similar Health Hazards to Camp Lejeune
For countless US veterans, the Army’s mismanagement and careless disposal of hazardous substances since the early years of the Cold War have been an enduring source of debilitating and fatal consequences. Notorious instances such as the pervasive contamination at Camp Lejeune, where toxins leached into groundwater for over 30 years.
Jacksonville, North Carolina, United States
Alaska Native News

83,000 Hawaii homes dispose of sewage in cesspools. Rising sea levels will make the mess worse.
This rural part of the island of Oahu is not connected to city sewers — and waste from toilets, sinks and showers is mostly collected in hundreds of pits called cesspools. Rising seas are also pushing groundwater closer to the surface, allowing cesspool effluent to mix with the water table and flow into the ocean.
Waialua, Hawaii, United States

A Chugiak trailer park under eviction notice lacks clean water and sits on contaminated land. Many residents are fighting to stay.
Tenants in the Forest Park trailer court say they have few, if any, affordable options. Some officials see a warning sign of a worsening housing crisis to come.
Chugiak, Alaska, United States

Unalakleet mayor says work on water system to begin this summer
State officials say Unalakleet will see work to improve conditions on its water system in the near future.
Unalakleet, Alaska, United States

How do you keep migrating birds off a giant toxic lake?
Engineers struggled to keep snow geese away from Montana’s deadly Superfund site, but ecologists have a new plan.
Montana, United States

Water crisis in Catalonia
The region of Catalonia, northeastern Spain, is in its worst drought since measurements began. The sheep reservoir supplies water to the city of Barcelona.
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

'Whole hell of a lot of water up there': This map shows the Sierra snowpack's record levels
Atmospheric river boosted California's snowpack, especially in Central and Southern Sierra. Now the levels are record level creating safety issues such as roofs collapsing and helping with drought conditions across the western states.
Sierra Nevada, California, United States
San Francisco Chronicle

Juneau's wastewater has four times as much COVID as the national average
This weekend marks the third anniversary of the World Health Organization’s declaration of the global pandemic — and Juneau’s wastewater is awash with COVID.
KTOO

Skjoma: Statkraft wants to make as much electricity as possible – now NVE recommends that they release more water
At times, the water level in the river Skjoma in Narvik is so low that the salmon freezes to death. But Statkraft has refused to release more water into the watercourse. Now the NVE intervenes.
Narvik, Nordland, Norway

More than $13 million in federal funding earmarked for Bristol Bay
Bristol Bay will receive 13 million in Federal Funding to help with projects such as safe drinking water.
Bristol Bay, Alaska, United States

In northernmost Alaska, a battle is on to limit the damages of permafrost thaw
Warming soils beneath Utqiagvik are triggering erosion that threatens homes, infrastructure and cultural resources. The North Slope has seen some of the fastest changes in coastal erosion in the nation.
Utqiaġvik, Alaska, United States
KTOO

An Unmistakable Stain in America’s Most Pristine Rivers
Dozens of once crystal-clear streams and rivers in Arctic Alaska are now running bright orange and cloudy, and, in some cases, they may be becoming more acidic. This otherwise undeveloped landscape now looks as if an industrial mine has been in operation for decades, and scientists want to know why.
Noatak River
The Atlantic

West megadrought worsens to driest in at least 1,200 years
By Seth Borenstein | The Associated Press FILE - A kayaker paddles in Lake Oroville as water levels remain low due to continuing drought conditions in
Sacramento, California, United States
The Sacramento Observer

A way of life disappears along the Yukon River with the decline of the salmon
The dam altered the subsistence gathering patterns of the Tagish Kwan, the Daḵká Kwa’an and the Kwanlin Dün people. Residences, cabins and fish camps along the Whitehorse rapids were dismantled, gatherings at M’Clintock stopped, and many people dispersed to Fish Lake and Whitehorse.
Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
Yukon News

Beaver invasion on the Baldwin Peninsula
Scientists have documented a recent population explosion of beavers on the Baldwin Peninsula near Kotzebue.
UAF Geophysical Institute

The Kerala Floods
Since 2018, Kerala has faced increasingly severe and frequent floods, a stark contrast to its historical rarity, driven by factors like Indian Ocean warming and local environmental changes, underscoring a global trend of climate-driven extremes and the urgent need for improved flood management and climate adaptation.
Arukutti, Kerala, India

Fairbanks airfields convert to alternative firefighting foam over contamination concerns
Fairbanks International Airport and Eielson Air Force Base no longer use a type of firefighting foam containing a chemical compound that’s contaminated groundwater around the city, and that poses a potential threat to human health.
Fairbanks, Alaska, United States

Kenai Peninsula borough declares flooding emergency
Kenai River flooding began last week when glacier-dammed lakes burst and caused water levels to rapidly rise. Water levels were already high due to recent rainfall.
Sterling, Alaska, United States

‘No home to go to’: Hundreds of evacuees need shelter as catastrophic Western Alaska storm empties inundated villages
Troopers said that they have suspended the active search for two men missing from Kwigillingok, one of the hardest-hit communities. The men are related to the storm’s lone confirmed fatality, a 67-year-old woman found Monday.
Kipnuk, Alaska, United States

In 'momentous' act, regulators approve demolition of four Klamath River dams
Federal regulators have approved a plan to demolish four Klamath River dams, a historic act that is intended to save imperiled salmon. “The Klamath salmon are coming home,” Yurok Tribe Chairman Joseph James said in a statement. “The people have earned this victory and with it, we carry on our sacred duty to the fish that have sustained our people since the beginning of time.”
Klamath, California, United States
Los Angeles Times

Still waiting on Merbok aid, Shaktoolik braces for fall storms
Shaktoolik, a village in Alaska, is still waiting for aid from FEMA to rebuild a protective berm that was destroyed by a typhoon, leaving the community vulnerable to storms and erosion.
Shaktoolik, Alaska, United States
The Nome Nugget

As effort to restore Eklutna River inches toward decision, disagreements remain over how far plan should go
Disagreements persist over the extent of the restoration plan for the Eklutna River in Alaska, with utilities arguing that a replacement dam would be costly and increase electric rates, while proponents of the plan believe it would benefit the public interest by boosting local fishing and tourism and improving the ecosystem.
Eklutna, Alaska, United States

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