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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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Pilot rescued with 2 girls from icy Kenai Peninsula lake was not authorized to have passengers, official says
It appeared that the plane had landed near a glacier on the partially frozen lake, broke through the ice as it rolled to a stop and then began to sink. It wasn’t known if the pilot landed intentionally on the lake thinking the ice was more solid than it was, or whether a mechanical issue forced the plane down.
Tustemena Lake, Alaska
Anchorage Daily News

'Feral, almost demonic': Surge in poisoned sea lions threatens SoCal beachgoers, burdens rescuers
Domoic acid poisoning is stranding marine mammals as warnings are issued to beachgoers of the threat posed by animals that are transformed by their illness.
Oxnard, California, United States
Los Angeles Times

16-year-old killed in Turnagain Pass avalanche
A 16-year-old snowmachiner from Soldotna was killed in an avalanche at Turnagain Pass, Alaska, highlighting the ongoing danger in the area due to unstable snowpack conditions.
Turnagain Pass, Alaska, United States
KTUU

Ketchikan responds to landslide that displaced hundreds Thursday
The City of Ketchikan is recovering from a rock slide Thursday morning that left hundreds of people displaced — no injuries or structural damage was reported, but the slide hit a road that connected the north and south areas of the island.
Ketchikan, Alaska, United States

Earthquake Swarm Near Adak Includes Magnitude 6.2 Tremor
A magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck southeast of Adak early Friday, part of a continuing swarm with several quakes measuring 4.0 or higher since Wednesday.
Adak, Alaska, United States
KTUU

Lyngen: Survivor recounts being buried in an avalanche
A 39‐year‐old Slovenian man recounts his dramatic ordeal of being buried under snow for over 7 hours during an avalanche in Lyngen, while rescuers continue searching for a missing woman.
Lyngen, Nord-Troms, Norway
NRK

Helicopter caught in avalanche in Abisko – two persons missing
A rescue operation has been initiated after an avalanche dragged a helicopter that was on the ground in Abisko National Park, with two persons currently reported missing.
Abisko, Norrbotten, Sweden
SVT Nyheter

Ketchikan landslide blocks roadway, closes schools
A large landslide just outside Ketchikan, Alaska, buried a road on Thursday, displacing hundreds and forcing school closures, though no injuries were reported.
Ketchikan, Alaska, United States
KTUU
Joey Klecka, Melissa Frey, Justin Mattson

This is why Canada has plenty of eggs and the U.S. doesn't
While the U.S. grapples with an egg shortage caused by avian flu, eggs remain plentiful and affordable in Canada. There are reasons for that, including that egg farms there tend to be smaller.
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
NPR

Warm Temperatures Bring Ice Melt and Flooding to Russia’s Chelyabinsk Region
Unseasonably warm weather triggered ice breakups and subsequent flooding in Russia’s Chelyabinsk region, prompting emergency evacuations and road closures as rising water levels affected multiple rivers.
Chelyabinsk Region, Russia
The Moscow Times

Lack of Snow Prompts Early Start to Official Fire Season in Alaska's Southern Regions
Alaska state officials have advanced the start of the official fire season to March 17 in Southcentral, Southeast, and Western Alaska due to unusually low snowpack and warmer temperatures. The change aims to mitigate increased wildfire risks in these populated regions.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Chilkat Valley News

Early fire season begins with 2 small blazes reported and controlled
Two small wildfires on the Kenai Peninsula have been reported and quickly contained as the region enters an early fire season. Burn permits are now required on all state, private, and municipal lands due to early warm temperatures and low snowpack.
Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, United States
Peninsula Clarion

Danger of Avalanches, Closed Roads, and Mild Weather Cause Traffic Trouble
Mild weather in Nordland, Norway, is causing hazardous road conditions with avalanche risks, road closures, and chain traffic, leading to significant travel disruptions including school bus delays.
Narvik, Nordland, Norway
NRK

Evacuation of Several Residents in Tromsø Due to High Avalanche Risk
Authorities in Troms have ordered the evacuation of 45 residential units in areas including Oldervik and Breivikeidet in Tromsø due to a significant avalanche risk, although some residents choose not to comply.
Tromsø, Troms og Finnmark, Norway
NRK

Orange warning for storm force in the mountains – dangerous avalanche situation in several places in the mountains
SMHI has upgraded the warning for storms in the northernmost mountains to an orange warning for strong winds and snow on the bare mountains, from Tuesday morning. Several places are also warned of dangerous conditions and a high risk of avalanches has been issued in the Abisko-Kebnekaise area.
Norrbottensfjällen Mountains
SVT Nyheter

Low Snow and Exposed Ice
There is unusually low snow coverage and exposed ice on the North Slope. The tundra lakes are more visible and sea ice is lower than normal.
Utqiaġvik, Alaska, United States

How changing winter ice conditions around P.E.I. are letting the sea eat into its shores
Researchers warn that shorter winter sea ice seasons around Prince Edward Island reduce the coast’s natural defense against winter storms, leading to increased erosion.
Prince Edward Island, Canada
CBC News

Warmer weather brings early bear activity to Alaska
Area biologists recommend securing attractants as warmer weather leads to earlier bear activity on the Kenai Peninsula, prompting calls for caution among residents.
Homer, Alaska, United States
KBBI AM 890

Classic Skiing Competition 7-mila Cancelled Due to Lack of Snow
The classic long-distance ski race 7-mila has been cancelled due to a lack of snow for the first time since 2014, affecting over 130 registered participants and causing financial concerns for the organizers.
Robertsfors, Västerbotten, Sweden
SVT Nyheter

Salmonella Among Small Birds in Norrbotten – Cats Infected
Reports from northern Sweden indicate that a Salmonella outbreak among small birds is not only causing bird deaths but is also infecting cats in Piteå. Health authorities warn pet owners to be cautious when observing dead birds around feeders.
Piteå, Norrbotten, Sweden

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

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

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.

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

'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

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