Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Record Breaking Juneau Snow Storm

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for Juneau and other parts of southeast Alaska until 5 a.m. today. Six to 10 inches of new snow are possible for Juneau, Petersburg and Wrangell, with slightly lesser amounts in places like Hoonah and Angoon.

Meteorologist Geri Swanson said Monday afternoon the 10.7 inches that had fallen at weather service offices since midnight broke the previous record for the date of 5.6 inches set in 2006. The National Weather Service warned Juneau residents to prepare for a snowfall expected at 2 inches per hour with up to 10 inches of new snow. Juneau accumulated 15 inches of snow since the snow began falling Sunday night, according to the Juneau office’s snow measurements.

The second record-breaking snowstorm for the date in just five years! This is how ice ages begin.

And remember, the Juneau Icefield is already growing. Record-breaking snowstorms can only help it grow even more. The Juneau Icefield covers 1,505 square miles (3,900 sq km) and is the fifth-largest ice field in the Western Hemisphere.

So much for melting glaciers.

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