An unusually long cold snap in Alaska’s Mat-Su region has driven frost more than 10 feet deep, freezing hundreds of household water, sewer, and septic lines and leaving some residents without running water for days to weeks.

Environment Canada data shows Whitehorse had its wettest winter on record (Dec. 1–Feb. 28) with about 140 mm of precipitation—more than double the seasonal average—and temperatures were colder than normal across much of Yukon. The heavy snowpack raises concerns about rapid spring melt and potential property flooding in Whitehorse.

Whitehorse, Yukon nearly set its all-time March cold record on March 2, 2026, when the airport temperature dropped to -40.2 C. The cold snap is linked to entrenched Arctic air and a strengthened high-pressure ridge, with very cold temperatures expected to persist into mid-March.

Above-average fall temperatures in the Northwest Territories have delayed ice crossings on the Peel and Mackenzie Rivers, with officials warning this may become more common. The Peel River crossing opened later than average for light vehicles, while the Mackenzie River crossing at Tsiigehtchic remains closed.

Several seasonal ice roads in the Northwest Territories, including the Wekweeti and Dettah routes, have closed earlier than their long‐term averages, with additional roads on short notice closures due to warming temperatures.

The opening of the famed Dettah ice road, a six-kilometre route that cuts across Yellowknife Bay, is typically opened on Dec, 24, according to a 20-year average. Yet a week-and-a-half later, there's still no word on when it will be operational.

Deteriorating conditions on the Mackenzie Valley Winter Road have prompted the Northwest Territories government to close the winter highway for the season.

Construction is beginning today on the ice road connecting Yellowknife to Dettah on the N.W.T.'s Yellowknife Bay, but a warm November means that it will open in January for the second time since the 2006/2007 season, and the second year in a row.