Worst Winter Storm to Hit Juneau, Alaska

Imagine planning a trip to Alaska and finding a city buried under nearly seven feet of snow in a single month. That was Juneau in December 2025.

As a meteorologist, what fascinates me is the combination of persistent moisture, unusually cold air and Juneau’s mountainous terrain. An atmospheric river helped fuel the late-month snowfall, showing that these moisture-rich systems can produce tremendous snow—not just heavy rain—when temperatures cooperate.

The impacts were serious. Roof collapses, boats sinking, avalanche concerns and flight disruptions turned a spectacular snowfall into a major challenge. Juneau’s 2025–26 winter ultimately became the snowiest in its recorded history.

But here’s the other side of Juneau.

Visit during the warmer months, and you’ll find a completely different destination: lush temperate rainforest, glaciers, whale-watching excursions and dramatic mountain scenery. I’d put Mendenhall Glacier, a whale-watching trip in the surrounding waters and a ride on the Mount Roberts Tramway high on my summer itinerary.

That contrast is what makes Juneau so fascinating. The same mountains and coastal environment that help create extraordinary winter weather also produce some of Alaska’s most spectacular summer scenery.