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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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Observations

Anchorage's low-snow December makes for idle plows and happy skaters
Anchorage experienced an unusually low-snow December in 2024, with only 1.9 inches recorded, contrasting sharply with the heavy snowfall of the previous year and creating ideal conditions for ice skating but challenging ones for skiing.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Strong winds, ice cause power outage in Umiujaq
A severe weather event featuring strong winds and ice accumulation caused a power outage for 73 customers in Umiujaq, Quebec on December 30, 2024. The remote community relies on Hydro-Québec's off-grid system, and while power was restored by December 31, the airport terminal remains reliant on a backup generator.
Umiujaq, Quebec, Canada
Nunatsiaq News

Avalanche Blocks Road at Súðavíkurhlíð
Several avalanches occurred in Súðavíkurhlíð in Iceland's Westfjords, resulting in the closure of the road. Ongoing avalanche hazards and adverse weather conditions continue to impact the region.
Súðavíkurhlíð, Westfjords, Iceland
Vísir

Rare cougar sighting reported in urban Vancouver, far from wilderness
A rare sighting of a cougar was reported in Vancouver's urban Dunbar area, close to Pacific Spirit Regional Park, prompting caution among residents.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
CHEK

Self-sustaining soil cavity hole
A small soil cavity in the UAF North Campus boreal forest remains open all winter, maintaining a steady temperature and emitting high CO2 levels, which is unusual for its self-sustaining nature and potential implications for permafrost research.
Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
Vladimir Romanovsky, Leanne Bulger, Anna Liljedahl , Alexander Kholodov

Young mammoth remains discovered in Siberian permafrost after roughly 50,000 years
A juvenile mammoth was found in Siberian permafrost, remarkably preserved for over 50,000 years, near Batagaika crater.
Batagaika crater, Siberia, Russia
Eye on the Arctic

Strongest earthquake in Helsinki's history recorded on Christmas Day
Helsinki experienced its strongest recorded earthquake on Christmas Day, with a magnitude of 1.1. Though minor, it startled many residents, who reported a loud bang in the Käpylä area.
Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
Yle News

Green grass on the Anchorage hillside is making for a not-so-white Christmas
An unusually low snowfall has left green grass visible on Anchorage's hillside, making for an atypical non-white Christmas in Alaska.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Alaska's News Source

Tsunami from Takhini River landslide reminds Yukon geologist of Dawson City's risk
A landslide on the Takhini River created a 'small' tsunami, raising concerns about similar risks to Dawson City. Experts are monitoring potential hazard cascades from future slides.
Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
Yukon News

Two killed when tree falls on truck on U.S. 2 near airport exit
Two people were killed when a tree fell on their truck on U.S. Highway 2 near Spokane International Airport, likely due to heavy winds.
Spokane, Washington, United States
The Spokesman-Review

Lions Bay mudslide tragedy leaves one dead and one person missing, local emergency declared
A mudslide in Lions Bay, British Columbia, has resulted in one death and one person missing, prompting a local emergency declaration and highlighting the area's vulnerability to debris flows due to past geotechnical oversight.
Lions Bay, British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver Sun

Villages in Troms isolated after multiple landslides
Over 2000 people in Senja, Hadsel, and villages around Tromsø were isolated following snow and landslides on Tuesday night. Several communities remain cut off until Wednesday.
Troms, Norway
NRK

Earthquake swarm in western Aleutians
An earthquake swarm was detected on Sunday in the western Aleutians, beginning with a 6.3 magnitude quake near Bobrof Island, followed by more tremors including magnitudes of 6.3 and 6.1.
Bobrof Island, Aleutians, Alaska, United States
Alaska's News Source

Landslide above Portage Lake is on geologists' radar as tsunami threat
A landslide near the southern end of Portage Lake, Alaska, could pose a tsunami threat, with debris potentially creating waves 50 feet tall near the Begich, Boggs Visitors Center.
Portage Lake, Alaska, United States
Alaska's News Source

Several Roads Closed in Troms After Snow Avalanche
Several roads in Troms, Norway, have been closed due to snow avalanches, while authorities warn of challenging driving conditions across Northern Norway, particularly due to heavy snowfall and slick roads.
Troms, Norway
NRK

Small landslide in Ketchikan after heavy rainfall
A small landslide occurred in Ketchikan due to heavy rainfall, affecting a private property on Hillside Road.
Ketchikan, Alaska, United States

Newtok shuts down its critical infrastructure
Newtok, a community in Alaska, has shut down power and water services as part of a relocation effort due to permafrost deterioration and coastal erosion dangers.
Newtok, Alaska, United States
KYUK

Residents forced from homes by sinkhole hope to return within week
Residents in Pant, Merthyr Tydfil, Wales are displaced due to a sinkhole caused by heavy rain from Storm Bert. They hope to return home soon while some will not return until Christmas.
Pant, Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, United Kingdom
Inverness Courier

Thousands of trees have blown over in Norrfjärden: "Like a war zone"
Severe weather in Norrfjärden, north of Umeå, has caused thousands of trees to blow over, leaving many without power. Umeå Energi technicians are working to clear the devastation and restore electricity.
Norrfjärden, Västerbotten, Sweden
SVT Nyheter

Volcano Eruption on Iceland
A volcanic eruption is underway on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland, prompting the evacuation of Grindavik and the Blue Lagoon.
Grindavik, Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland
NRK

Found hot water at Kjalar­nes and Geldingarnes
New low-temperature geothermal areas have been discovered in the capital region of Iceland, potentially boosting the supply of hot water for heating and industry in Reykjavik.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Vísir

Bomb cyclone kills 2, knocks out power to over 500,000 homes in northwest U.S.
A 'bomb cyclone' has killed two people and left over 500,000 homes without power in the northwest U.S., as strong winds and rain hit the region, closing schools and downing trees.
Northwest, United States
Press Herald

More than 600,000 lose power from bomb cyclone in Western Washington
A powerful bomb cyclone in Western Washington caused a windstorm with gusts reaching up to 74 mph, leaving over 640,000 people without power. Efforts to restore electricity are underway, but it may take several days to fully restore service.
Western Washington, United States
The Spokesman-Review

Manure Cellar Collapses in Gjesdal
A large manure cellar collapsed in Gjesdal, Rogaland, threatening a nearby lake with a flood of animal waste.
Gjesdal, Rogaland, Norway

Erosion from high surf and wind leave Homer Spit Road damaged
Homer Spit Road sustained damage from high tides and winds, prompting short-term repairs and highlighting the need for long-term erosion control measures.
Homer, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

All public services decommissioned and shut down: Newtok's end is imminent
Newtok faces imminent shutdown due to severe infrastructure risks and erosion, with remaining residents relocating to temporary homes in Mertarvik.
Newtok, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

Human skull washed up in Kotzebue last month is ancient, village officials say
A human skull found in Kotzebue in October is ancient, with officials confirming it is not contemporary. The skull was discovered in an area formerly used as a burial site. Since the recent flooding, police said they received three reports of remains washing up on shore in the Kotzebue area.
Kotzebue, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Fall 2024 Storm Exposed Coastal Permafrost
A severe fall storm in 2024 exposed coastal permafrost in Kotzebue, revealing ice layers previously covered by clay or plants and raising concerns about increased melting and environmental contamination.
Kotzebue, Alaska, United States
Jacquelyn Overbeck, Alexander Kholodov, Susan Tessier, Vladimir Romanovsky, Anna Liljedahl

High winds cause erosion and flooding in region
A storm system with high winds and significant flooding impacted western Alaska, causing damage and disruptions in several communities.
Western Alaska, United States
The Nome Nugget

Storm Submerges Kotzebue
A record storm caused extensive flooding in Kotzebue, Alaska, submerging the town and prompting community concern and relief efforts.
Kotzebue, Alaska, United States
Anna Liljedahl , Jacqualine Schaeffer, Richard L Thoman Jr, Gemini

New Ketchikan landslide blocks road, cutting off motorists
The Revilla Road slide came Sunday evening after heavy rains and initially trapped six vehicles with eight people inside, local officials said. Cleanup continued Monday.
Ketchikan, Alaska, United States

Fast-growing Hurricane Milton is officially a Category 5 storm as it nears Florida
Milton grew quickly into a Category 5 storm Monday morning and is forecast to make landfall in Florida midweek.
Tampa, Florida, United States
Alaska Public Media

Did a tornado touch down during the Jasper wildfire? Researchers want to know
Researchers investigate the possibility of a tornado during the Jasper wildfire, exploring a new class of fire-generated tornadoes and their implications for Canada's changing climate.
Jasper, Alberta, Canada
CBC

Landslides Along Nushagak River
The five documented landslides may be associated with high rainfall between July and September.
Koliganek, Alaska, United States
Constantine Johnson, Richard L Thoman Jr

The glaciers in Finnmark are melting the fastest of Norway's glaciers
The glaciers in Finnmark, particularly the Øksfjordjøkelen, are melting rapidly, with significant shrinkage observed each year, raising concerns about climate change impacts.
Øksfjordjøkelen, Loppa, Finnmark
Kristina Brekke, Hanne Larsen, Bent Lindsetmo, Kai Erik Bull, Vanja Ulfsnes

New kind of plant on the beach
A new plant species is establishing itself in the area and impacting native beach greens.
Aleksandrovsk, Alaska, United States

Landslide triggers 55-foot tsunami wave at Kenai Fjords National Park
Heavy rains and melting glaciers are making landslides in the area more common, says a geologist.
Pedersen Bay, Alaska
Alaska Public Media

Damage from permafrost melting in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation may exceed 10 trillion rubles
The article discusses the potential economic impact of permafrost melting in Russia's Arctic zone, estimating damages could exceed 10 trillion rubles by 2050 due to infrastructure collapse and other issues.
Norilsk, Krasnoyarskiy, Russia

'Haunting glimpse of Climate Change': Snow vanishes from Uttarakhand's Om Parvat for the first time in history
For the first time, snow has completely disappeared from Uttarakhand's Om Parvat, a significant change noted last week.
Om Parvat

1 person killed in Ketchikan landslide, multiple homes destroyed
A landslide in Ketchikan resulted in one fatality, multiple destroyed homes, and ongoing emergency responses, following heavy rainfall.
Ketchikan, Alaska, United States

Russia's Republic of Tyva Declares Wildfire Emergency
Authorities in Siberia’s republic of Tyva declared a regional state of emergency due to ongoing wildfires exacerbated by prolonged hot and dry weather.
Tyva, Siberia, Russia
The Moscow Times

Village Airport Stuck in the Mud
Brevig Mission's airport has been unusable due to heavy rain rendering its runways unsafe, disrupting travel and medical supplies.
Brevig Mission, Alaska, United States
KNOM Radio Mission

2 Dead After Dam Collapses in Northwestern Russia
Two people were killed after a torrent of water poured over a cofferdam in northwestern Russia early Monday and flooded the surrounding area, authorities said.
Надвоицы, Сегежский район, Karelia, Russia
The Moscow Times

Landslide forces closure of section South Klondike Highway north of the U.S. border
A landslide caused by heavy rains has shut down the South Klondike Highway, affecting travelers and requiring officials to coordinate an alternative route for stranded cruise passengers.
Carcross, Yukon, Canada
Juneau Empire

Surprise Yellowstone geyser eruption highlights little known hazard at popular park
A surprise eruption of steam in a Yellowstone National Park geyser basin that sent people scrambling for safety as basketball-sized rocks flew overhead has highlighted a little-known hazard that scientists hope to be able to predict someday.
Billings, Montana, United States
CTVNews

Downtown Juneau apartment building evacuated following landslide
A landslide in Juneau, Alaska, prompted the evacuation of an apartment building, with no injuries reported but further slides expected due to heavy rain.
Juneau, Alaska, United States

'Swarm of earthquakes' rattle off B.C.'s coast, no tsunami expected
A series of earthquakes struck off the coast of Vancouver Island, with no tsunami threat reported. Andrew Schaeffer, an earthquake seismologist with the Geological Survey of Canada, said last week that despite the uptick in seismic activity, the quakes were "business as usual" for the region.
Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
British Columbia

Four earthquakes off Iceland's northern coast
We've become very used to seismic activity in Iceland's southwest corner, but last night, four earthquakes above magnitude three hit a very different area - the Kolbeinsey ridge, far off the country's northern coast.
Iceland
RÚV

Tustumena Lake fire reported 25% contained
The Tustumena Lake fire in Alaska is 25% contained, with efforts including smokejumpers and over 56,000 gallons of water deployed to combat the 35-acre blaze.
Tustumena Lake, Alaska, United States
Homer News

Denali National Park bars visitors as wildfire burns near entrance
Denali National Park has closed to visitors due to the rapidly spreading Riley Fire near its entrance, prompting evacuations and a significant firefighting response.
Denali National Park, Alaska, United States

Wildfire near Elliot Highway prompts 'Go' evacuation order
A fast-moving wildfire near Elliot Highway in Fairbanks, Alaska, has led to a Level 3 evacuation order for residents, with the fire rapidly growing to over a thousand acres.
Fairbanks, Alaska, United States

Maximum-security prison in Quebec evacuated due to forest fires
A maximum-security prison in Quebec was evacuated as forest fires threatened the region, leading to the relocation of 225 inmates and a state of emergency declaration.
Québec, Quebec, Canada
Montreal

1 person found dead and 2 still missing after floods, rockslide hit a Swiss Alpine village
A deadly rockslide and floods triggered by severe weather struck a Swiss Alpine village, resulting in one fatality and two missing persons, with ongoing search efforts hampered by heavy rainfall.
Lostallo, Grisons, Switzerland
CTVNews

McDonald Fire remains west of Tanana River
The McDonald Fire has grown to over 39,000 acres west of the Tanana River, with statewide fires consuming 72,000 acres; critical fire danger and smoke advisories are in effect.
West of the Tanana River, Alaska
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Disappearing sand dunes and plovers
Sand dunes disappear with more frequent and powerful storms in Western Alaska. These storms have impacted bird nesting grounds and tundra plants.
Hooper Bay, Alaska, United States

Small Sinkhole in the Village
Is this a sign of more to come? Land changes raises questions about possible causes.
Anvik, Alaska, United States
Anna Liljedahl , Richard L Thoman Jr, Gemini , Jerry Chase, Vladimir Romanovsky

First Y-K Delta wildfire of 2024 burns itself out
The Atchuelinguk Fire, an 800-acre tundra blaze near Marshall, Alaska, extinguished naturally. Ipsen said that the fire occurred in an area where blazes are allowed to play out when not threatening known sites of value or people. The cause of the fire has not been determined.
33 miles north of Marshall, Alaska
KYUK

Papua New Guinea says Friday's landslide buried more than 2,000 people and formally asks for help
A devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea buried over 2,000 people, prompting the government to seek international aid amidst challenges posed by unreliable census data and the destruction of a main highway.
AP News

Climate change causing Siberia's Batagay crater expansion amid environmental concerns
A vast crater in Siberia, known as the Batagay crater or megaslump, has garnered attention for its remarkable growth and impact on the surrounding landscape. Locals have mixed feelings about the crater, with some fearing it due to mysterious sounds it emits, while others explore the site, which locals call “the cave-in.”
Ese-Khayya, Sakha, Russia
ArcticToday

Evacuees from Fort Nelson in northeast B.C. escape raging wildfire
Residents of Fort Nelson, B.C., are urged to evacuate immediately due to a rapidly escalating wildfire, exacerbated by high winds and continuous drought conditions.
Fort Nelson, British Columbia, Canada
CBC

Weather Ups and Downs
Alaska experiences unusual weather with multiple false springs, marked by warm periods followed by heavy snow or cold, casting doubt on the arrival of summer.
Eagle River, Alaska, United States

Spring bank erosion and icicle formation
LEO Member Jeffrey Luther has been documenting erosion along the Noatak River for many years. His drone footage this spring captures new bank erosion features and icicle formations.
Noatak, Alaska, United States

Strong 7.2 earthquake strikes off Hualien
A magnitude 7.2 earthquake, the largest in 25 years, struck off the coast of Hualien, Taiwan, causing nine deaths, hundreds of injuries, and significant structural damage.
Hualien City, Taiwan, Taiwan

Breaking: Eruption Begins on Reykjanes Peninsula
A new fissure eruption on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, the third since December, began without posing immediate danger to populated areas or infrastructure.
Grindavík, Southern Peninsula Region, Iceland
Iceland Review

Fire destroys Peter Pan Seafoods facility in Sand Point
A fire destroyed a Peter Pan Seafoods facility in Sand Point, Alaska, causing a pervasive smell of burning plastic from fishing gear stored on-site.
Sand Point, Alaska, United States

First deer with Chronic Wasting Disease found in B.C
The first known cases of Chronic Wasting Disease in British Columbia have been discovered in two deer in the Kootenays. Officials have been keeping an eye on the southeastern area of B.C. for some time, as nearby outbreaks have occurred in Alberta, Montana and Idaho. The two recent positive samples came from an area south of Cranbrook.
Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada
Castanet

Storm leaves behind 29.3” of snow at airport, avalanche hazards, closed schools and state offices
A severe storm in Juneau resulted in 29.3 inches of snow at the airport, causing avalanches, road closures, and the shutdown of schools and state offices.
Juneau, Alaska, United States
Juneau Empire

Grindavík eruptions
The Grindavík eruptions began on January 13, 2024, in the Southern Peninsula of Iceland.
Grindavík, Southern Peninsula, Iceland
RÚV

Monitoring underway at N.W.T. archaeological sites threatened by climate change
As the impacts of climate change threaten vital historical sites across the Northwest Territories, the territory's climate change archaeologist is working with communities to mitigate the damage.
Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories, Canada
CBC

Powerful earthquakes leave at least 55 dead, destroy buildings along Japan's western coast
Damage was so great that it could not immediately be assessed. Japanese media reports said tens of thousands of homes were destroyed.
輪島市, Ishikawa, Japan
AP News

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