LEO Network

About the LEO Network
The LEO Network is a worldwide network of observers and experts that share their observations of environmental change.
Continue

Observations

2 workers remain missing after ATV carrying 5 breaks through river ice in Mat-Su
Two people were swept under the ice on the Big Susitna River on Thursday morning while three others were able to reach safety, Alaska State Troopers said.
Sutton-Alpine, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

‘I’m really looking forward to being inside’: An oral and visual history of Trondheim’s wettest weather in a century
The central Norwegian region of Trøndelag is known for its inclement weather; per an ongoing tourism campaign, while “the food is iconic,” the weather is “chronic.” But the past week in Trondheim has been special even by local standards, and not in a good way. The city, according to Norwegian media, has to reach back more than a century to find a wetter five-day stretch than the one it just experienced, with 4.5 inches of precipitation.
Trondheim, Sør-Trøndelag, Norway
Fasterskier

3 heli-skiers killed in massive avalanche near Girdwood
This is Alaska’s first fatal avalanche reported this season. It is also the country’s deadliest since February 2023.
Girdwood, Alaska
Alaska Public Media

Iditarod 53: Mushers, dogs regroup in Tanana after 'sandstorm' flings silt near river
During Iditarod 53, mushers and their sled dogs battled high winds that whipped up a sandstorm near the Tanana River, forcing teams to pause and regroup. The unexpected conditions challenged visibility and navigation, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the race.
Tanana, Alaska, United States
KTUU

Devastated by the Destructive Power of Natural Forces
A severe storm over the weekend battered businesses at Fiskislóð 31 in Reykjavík, with colossal waves breaching coastal defenses and flooding inland areas, leaving significant structural and economic damage.
Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland
Vísir

‘Prepared to be adaptable’: Mushers leave Fairbanks to officially launch a historic 53rd Iditarod
The Iditarod Trail Committee announced that poor snow conditions made the traditional southern route untenable, forcing organizers to move the start nearly 300 miles north, from Willow to Fairbanks. The novel 1,128-mile route passes through Interior Alaska with a loop on the Yukon River. “We are all rookies,” Big Lake musher Nicolas Petit joked.
Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

The Wave Drove Cars and People into the Sea
Two individuals were swept into the sea near Akranes harbor when a large swell unexpectedly engulfed the area, dragging along cars and a pedestrian. They were rescued by emergency services, with one later transferred to a hospital in Reykjavík.
Akranes, Iceland
Vísir

Anchorage snowpack officially drops to zero, rare for early March
The National Weather Service says the city has had no snow at this point in the season only twice before. On average, that doesn’t usually happen until halfway through April. Last year, which turned out to be the second snowiest on record, more than 2 feet blanketed the ground on March 3.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Coastal Flooding Causes Major Damage in Seltjarnarnes
Seawater breached sea walls in Seltjarnarnes this morning causing major damage to homes and infrastructure, with emergency services working to pump out water and warnings of further flooding tonight.
Seltjarnarnes, Capital Region, Iceland
Iceland Review

Ticks carrying Lyme disease may have infiltrated Montana; found on bird dog
A Bozeman hunter’s bird dog in eastern Montana was found with an Ixodes scapularis tick, raising concerns that Lyme disease–carrying ticks might be establishing themselves in the region.
Billings, Montana, United States
Spokesman.com

White Bear Driven Away from Uelen Village for Over a Week
In Uelen, Chukotka, a volunteer 'Bear Patrol' has been driving away a white bear for over a week after its initial appearance on February 26, attracted by the scent of stored walrus meat. The bear’s recurring intrusion has raised concerns as Uelen lies along the polar bear migration route, and similar incidents have reportedly tripled compared to previous years.
Uelen, Chukotka, Russia
ProChukotku

On the Verge of Meteorological Spring in Luleå: 'No Brutal Cold'
Above-zero temperatures are rapidly melting the snow cover in Luleå, prompting questions about the future of winter.
Luleå, Norrbotten, Sweden
Kuriren

Significant flooding impacts areas around the Inland Northwest after weekend snowmelt
Flooding caused by rapid snowmelt and rain in the Inland Northwest led to multiple road closures and forced highway maintenance crews to pump water off major roadways.
Spokane, Washington, United States
Spokesman.com

2025 Fur Rondy kicks off amid low snow winter
The 90th annual Fur Rendezvous Festival kicked off Thursday around Anchorage and is expected to feature its traditional late-winter celebration, despite a winter season marred by low snowfall.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States

Fur Rendezvous is here, but the snow is a no-show
Anchorage starts the Fur Rendezvous Festival with only a trace of snow on the ground under unexpectedly mild winter conditions, although dump trucks delivered snow to the racecourse for event activities.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
KTUU

New explosive activity on Atka volcano in Alaska
A watch was issued for the Atka Volcanic Complex following a small explosive event that may have released a limited amount of volcanic ash. The Alaska Volcano Observatory is closely monitoring activity using seismic data, infrasound sensors, and web cameras.
Atka, Alaska, United States
KTUU

'Stay alert': Unalaska eagles begin nesting season early
Eagles in Unalaska are nesting earlier than usual, prompting local authorities to caution residents about potentially aggressive territorial behavior near the nests.
Unalaska, Alaska, United States
KUCB

Anchorage’s scarcity of new snow since December sets dismal record
Anchorage has experienced its lowest snowfall from December to mid-February since records began in 1953, with only 4.3 inches, leading to significant changes in winter events like the Iditarod and Fur Rondy due to unseasonably warm, windy weather.

Blackfish in DeLong Lake
February fishing and a catch of an introducted species in DeLong Lake.

More toxic water leaks into nearby creek from Yukon's Eagle mine site
Approximately 150,000 litres of cyanide-contaminated water leaked from the Eagle Gold mine site into Haggart Creek over a couple of days in February due to a failed weld in a pipeline.
Eagle Gold mine site, Yukon, Canada
CBC News

Kenai River king salmon fishing closed entirely for 3rd year
The State Department of Fish and Game has closed king salmon fishing on the Kenai River and surrounding Cook Inlet areas for the third consecutive year due to alarmingly low forecast returns.
Kenai River, Alaska, United States
Homer News

Two Earthquakes Occur Near the Chukotkan Village of Lavrentiya
On Wednesday, February 12, two earthquakes occurred off the coast of Chukotka, with the village of Lavrentiya being closest to the epicenter, although residents did not feel the tremors.
Lavrentiya, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Russia
prochukotku.ru

Three new non-native species found in Prince William Sound
A recent survey in Prince William Sound identified three new non-native species, including the newly discovered Monocorophium acherusicum, which may spread due to its adaptability to local conditions, prompting recommendations for ongoing monitoring and prevention efforts.
Tatitlek, Alaska, United States

Forest Service warns Juneau residents to stay away from Mendenhall Glacier amid calving concerns
The U.S. Forest Service has warned Juneau residents to avoid the Mendenhall Glacier due to a large crack that could lead to significant calving, posing risks to those recreating on the frozen lake.
Juneau, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

Glacier calves into Portage Lake, stranding 2 skaters and underscoring risks of recreation on ice
A window of cold and clear weather has drawn hundreds of people to skate, bike and walk on the lake ice in recent days.
Portage, Alaska, United States

Ice unexpectedly departs from Nome's shore
On February 10-11, 2025, unusually mild weather in Nome led to shorefast ice breaking free from the coastline, leaving deep blue water visible where ice had long persisted.
Nome, Alaska, United States
KNOM Radio Mission

In shocking first, sea ice breaks off in mid-February
In February 2025, unexpectedly weak sea ice broke off near Nome, Alaska, marking the first recorded early detachment of shorefast ice. Local subsistence hunters and climate specialists warn the event could disrupt the regional ecosystem and traditional hunting practices.
Nome, Alaska, United States
The Nome Nugget

Poor snow cover cancels Ski for Women
Due to a diminished snowpack on the central Kenai Peninsula, the Ski for Women event at Tsalteshi Trails near Soldotna, Alaska has been canceled, though organizers remain hopeful about the upcoming Tour of Tsalteshi.
Soldotna, Alaska, United States
Peninsula Clarion

The Wind Carried Away a Sauna in Hafnarfjörður
On February 6, 2025, an extreme wind event in Hafnarfjörður, Iceland, led to a surprising occurrence near the Óseyrarbraut roadway.
Hafnarfjörður, Capital Region, Iceland
Vísir

After man disappears, locals and state officials warn of the dangers of ice skating on Chilkoot Lake
Tom McGuire, a 79-year-old Haines author and backcountry adventurer, fell through the ice while skating alone on Chilkoot Lake, triggering an extensive search by local volunteers and state officials.
Haines, Alaska, United States
Chilkat Valley News

The Ring Road Has Broken Apart at Two Locations
Flood waters have washed over protective fences, causing the ring road near Jökulsá í Lóni and the road at Karlsstaðarvita in Berufirði to break apart and become impassable.
Berufir, Eastern Region, Iceland

Lightning Strikes Hallgrímskirkja Church During Storm
Lightning struck the iconic Hallgrímskirkja Church tower in Reykjavík during a storm, with video footage capturing the event. Officials report no significant damage aside from a temporarily affected spotlight.
Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland
Iceland Review

Extreme Winds Cause Widespread Damage in Stöðvarfjörður
Severe winds reaching 57 m/s caused extensive damage in Stöðvarfjörður, East Iceland, with several houses losing roofing sheets and numerous windows shattered, leading to significant repair work and transportation disruptions.
Stöðvarfjörður, East Iceland, Iceland
Iceland Review

‘He could have died’: Pro snowboarder left frustrated with rescue process after avalanche swept friend away
A professional snowboarder criticized the prolonged five‐hour rescue effort after an avalanche swept a backcountry skier down a mountain, cautioning that every minute matters in life‐or‐death situations.
KTVA

Earthquake shakes Southcentral Alaska
Residents from Anchorage to Peters Creek felt a 4.3 magnitude earthquake that struck west of Anchorage, with its epicenter about 29 miles away, although no damage or injuries have been reported.

Beaufort Sea ice cuts fiber-optic cable, limiting internet for about 20,000 residents of Northwest Alaska through summer
Shifting sea ice patterns resulting from climate change are imperiling the subsea cable in ways the company did not plan for.The subsea cable is owned by Quintillion but affects companies delivering internet access to residents, schools and local governments.
Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, United States

Earthquake South of Diomede, No Injuries Reported
A magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck about 20 miles south of Little Diomede on February 3, 2025, with residents in the region feeling the tremor but reporting no injuries. Seismic events along the Bering microplate have happened before, although they’re not common. The largest on record was a magnitude 7.3 earthquake near Huslia in 1958.
Little Diomede, Alaska, United States
KNOM Radio Mission

Mild winter draws first migratory birds back
Early sightings of migratory birds in southwest Finland, including bean and greylag geese, suggest milder winter conditions and highlight the impact of climate change on traditional migratory patterns.
Parainen, Southwest Finland, Finland
Yle News

Scientists Find High Temperatures and Vegetation Instead of Snow in the Arctic
During a February 2025 expedition to Spitsbergen, researchers recorded unusually high winter temperatures, snow melt, and emergent vegetation in the Arctic.
Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, Norway
Taymyr Telegraph

Firefighters Tackle Floods in the Capital Region Following Storm
After Friday’s storm, the Capital Region’s Fire Department responded to an unusually high number of flood-related calls, with firefighters tackling severe flooding in homes and public areas. The incident saw approximately 25 calls for pump trucks and over 140 ambulances dispatched during the event.
Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland

Fishing trawler likely behind Hanko's dead fish, fire chief says
Local fire chief Clas Tallberg stated that fish washed up on Hanko's shore showed injuries suggesting they were crushed by a fishing trawler's net, leading to a mass die-off of brisling sardines. Meanwhile, volunteers are cleaning up white clumps on the beach believed to be vessel wash water.
Hanko, Uusimaa, Finland
Yle News

Hatcher Pass Road still closed by avalanches that will take days to clear
Multiple avalanches have closed Hatcher Pass Road in Alaska due to heavy wet snowfall, with officials forecasting several days of clearance work.
Hatcher Pass, Alaska, United States

Rare upper Kuskokwim quake makes waves across region
A rare magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck the upper Kuskokwim region on January 29, 2025, startling residents in communities like McGrath and Kalskag, though no significant damage was reported.
McGrath, Alaska, United States
KYUK

From earthquakes, road construction, collisions and sonic booms Lynn Canal residents weigh in on Monday's jolt
Residents along the Lynn Canal experienced a jolting event on Monday afternoon that was later confirmed to be a magnitude 3 earthquake, which initially went undetected by seismic systems due to its location on the edge of the network.
Haines, Alaska, United States
Chilkat Valley News

Storm Éowyn impacts on power supplies across Ireland
Storm Owyn has left up to 100,000 homes and businesses in Ireland without power, prompting criticism of the government's response and the mobilization of emergency resources to restore essential services, particularly in the west coast and midlands regions.
Dublin, Ireland
The Irish Times
Kevin O'Sullivan, Pat Leahy, Conor Pope, Cormac McQuinn

Victoria nears record January dry streak amid low rainfall on Vancouver Island
Victoria is close to setting a record for the longest January dry streak, with only 18% of normal precipitation recorded this month.
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
CHEK

Car plunges through thin sea ice as driver was headed to fish
A driver lost direction in foggy conditions and accidentally drove onto thin sea ice near Vaasa, Finland, but escaped unharmed. Sea ice conditions have been particularly difficult this winter, due to alternating periods of severe cold and milder temperatures which have made the ice weak and unpredictable.
Vaasa, Ostrobothnia, Finland
Yle News

Ship working for Neste likely behind white clumps on Hanko's shore, company confirms
Finnish fuel firm Neste confirmed that white clumps on Hanko's shore likely resulted from wash water containing used oils from one of its vessels, prompting cleanup efforts and an ongoing investigation.
Hanko, Uusimaa, Finland

Unalaska jostled by magnitude 5.6 earthquake, scientists say no cause for alarm
A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck southwest of Unalaska, impacting locals in Nikolski and Akutan, but poses no tsunami threat or concern for further seismic activity.
Unalaska, Aleutians West Census Area, Alaska, United States
KUCB

Bat Flies Around the Hills
A bat sighting was reported in the hills of Reykjavík, Iceland, prompting a police response, but the bat had already flown away upon their arrival.
Reykjavík, Iceland

Person Missing After Vehicle Breaks Through Ice on Yukon's Lake Laberge
A person is missing after a vehicle fell through the ice on Lake Laberge in Yukon. Two others managed to escape.
Lake Laberge, Yukon, Canada
CBC News

Multiple Southcentral ski areas closed over the weekend citing weather
Unusual weather conditions, including warming temperatures and increased rainfall, forced multiple Southcentral Alaska ski areas to close, while others faced high winds and heavy snow, highlighting a challenging winter for ski operations and backcountry travel.
Palmer, Alaska, United States

Alaska Railroad cancels weekend train service due to inclement weather
Severe weather in Southcentral Alaska has forced the Alaska Railroad to cancel weekend train services between Anchorage and Fairbanks, impacting travelers.
Alaska's News Source

Rain leads to hazardous road conditions across Fairbanks
Warm temperatures and rain have created hazardous road conditions in Fairbanks, leading to collisions and travel disruptions.
Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Storm wind left part of the village of Rytkuchi without electricity
A severe storm in Rytkuchi, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Russia, left 25 apartments without electricity, with wind speeds reaching 50 meters per second, causing significant disruption and damage.
Rytkuchi, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Russia
Chukotka

Five headless seals have washed up on Chilkat Valley beaches in the last few months; here's possibly why
Over the past few months, several headless seals have washed ashore along Chilkat Valley, prompting local marine expert Tim Ackerman to suggest that killer whale predation may be involved, although a bullet-hole found on one seal hints at potential human involvement.
Chilkat Valley, Haines, Alaska, United States
Juneau Empire

Warm winter weather wears down Interior Alaska
Warm winter weather and rain in Alaska triggered avalanches and hazardous roads, with the Parks Highway being closed due to avalanche debris near Cantwell.
Cantwell, Alaska, United States
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Avalanche closes Parks Highway near Denali National Park
An avalanche has closed mile 219 of the Parks Highway near Denali National Park, impacting 400 feet of the road and halting traffic, with high avalanche danger expected to persist due to strong winds and rising snow levels.
Denali National Park, Alaska, United States
Alaska's News Source

Avalanche control closes Yukon highway and advisory issued for blizzard conditions
The South Klondike Highway in Yukon is closed for avalanche control due to a deeply buried weak layer causing large avalanches, while blizzard conditions with near-zero visibility are expected on the Dempster Highway, affecting travel and safety in the region.
Yukon, Canada
Yukon News

Low snowpack, heavy precipitation for Y-K Delta so far this year
The Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta is experiencing unusually low snowpack and heavy rainfall, with temperatures significantly above normal for January, raising concerns about potential impacts such as increased wildfire risk and infrastructure challenges.
Bethel, Alaska, United States
KYUK

Hatcher Pass Road closed at mile 14 due to high avalanche danger
Hatcher Pass Road is closed at mile 14 due to high avalanche danger from heavy wet snow, with closures expected to last into the weekend, affecting snowmachining trails and Hatcher Pass Lodge.
Hatcher Pass, Alaska, United States
Alaska's News Source

Three foxes test positive for rabies in Hooper Bay
Three foxes in Hooper Bay have tested positive for rabies, prompting health officials to urge pet owners to vaccinate their animals and stay alert for signs of the disease.
Hooper Bay, Alaska, United States
KYUK

Coastal Erosion in Atka
The beach is losing sand banks during storms.
Atka, Alaska, United States

Silent Winter - An Absence of Songbirds
Puzzling on what happened to the songbirds this winter. Could this be attributed to food shortages, invasives species...avian illness? The decline should be giving everyone pause.
Jason Herreman, Caroline Van Hemert, Mike Brubaker

A Winter Wind Machine
The wind storms have been rolling in off the North Pacific, one after another. It is the windest winter and conditions I can recall in my years in Anchorage.

Support

Observation Template