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Alaska is on track to break snowfall records after Anchorage was blanketed with more than 100 inches − the earliest accumulation ever of that amount − collapsing roofs and closing schools.
The city, which was hit with almost 16 inches of snow this weekend, has now had over 8.5 feet this winter, the second year to break the 100-inch mark. If the trend continues, Anchorage could break its all-time record of 134.5 inches recorded in the winter of 2011.
The stunning levels of precipitation have been a challenge for the snow-hardened city, leading to the collapse of three buildings already this year. And city officials warned of the persistent danger of heavy snow piling onto roofs, estimating in a snow removal notice posted last week that 500 to 1,000 city buildings have “roof trusses of immediate concern.”
The snow’s weight reached more than 30 pounds per square foot, meaning a 1,500-square-foot roof would be supporting the weight of “eight full size light duty pickup trucks,” according to the notice.
In response to the weather conditions, Anchorage schools kept children home on Monday for a remote learning day.
The city was also chilled to double-digit below-zero temperatures, and forecasts call for -21 degrees at night later this week. Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson declared a public health and safety emergency that will remain in effect until at least Feb. 9 because of the frigid weather.
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Other Alaska areas hit record high temps
In the midst of the hefty snowfall, other parts of the state saw record high temperatures. Sitka Airport recorded a new record of 54 degrees on Sunday, and Ketchikan Airport tied a past record of 55 degrees the same day, according to the National Weather Service.
Juneau Airport also reached a record high of 46 degrees days after the capital city was hit with a winter storm warning that saw snow pile up to more than five feet. The snow caused route changes to the Juneau bus system and closed down in-person operations of city buildings on Wednesday.
The combination of heavy snow levels with record high temperatures threatened to trigger landslides and avalanches in the area. City officials warned residents to avoid avalanche paths on Wednesday after two avalanches blocked a local intersection.
A crew of Juneau firefighters rescued a person on Saturday who was pinned to the side of their house after a nearby creek that was dammed up by the snow suddenly released, triggering a landslide.
Ice accumulation sinking boats
The accumulation of ice in Juneau’s harbors also caused at least four boats to sink as harbor officials pleaded with residents to check their vessels. Salvage efforts for the sunken boats were underway on Friday, officials reported on Facebook.
Avalanche debris caused authorities on Monday to shut down Haines Highway, which runs from the town of Haines on the southeastern peninsula to the U.S.-Canada border. Severe weather also forced the closure of Thompson Pass, a scenic pass through a 2,600-high gap in the Chugach Mountains around 270 miles east of Anchorage.
Still, the chill didn’t stop Alaskans from enjoying the snow. In Anchorage, it paved the way for the rebirth of “Snowzilla,” a 20-foot snowman that residents have brought back to life every year for a decade.
Contributing: The Associated Press
Cybele Mayes-Osterman is a breaking news reporter for USA Today. Reach her on email at cmayesosterman@usatoday.com. Follow her on X @CybeleMO.
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