Juneau sets a new record for ‘snowiest winter’

By SUZANNE DOWNING

March 24, 2026 – Juneau has officially logged the snowiest winter ever recorded, with the 2025–26 season surpassing all previous snowfall totals since measurements began.

As of March 23–24, the National Weather Service station at Juneau International Airport recorded 201.2 inches of snowfall for the season, measured from Oct. 1 through the end of the snow season. The total eclipses the previous record of 197.9 inches set during the winter of 2006–07. That earlier season itself was recently revised upward after forecasters discovered an additional 7.5 inches of previously missing snowfall data. Before that correction, the long-standing benchmark had been 194.3 inches during the winter of 1964–65.

Snow totals at the airport typically run lower than what falls in downtown Juneau, Douglas, and Thane neighborhoods, meaning many residents have likely seen even greater accumulations this winter.

The record-breaking season was driven by an extraordinary early surge. December alone brought roughly 80 inches of snow, shattering the previous December record by nearly 30 inches in some estimates. The single month nearly matched a typical full winter in Juneau, where the long-term seasonal average is roughly 87 to 88 inches.

Heavy snow continued through the remainder of the winter. March set its own record, with more than 63 inches of snow and counting, breaking the prior March record of 62.7 inches set in 2007. A 5.4-inch snowfall on March 23–24 helped push the seasonal total past the all-time mark.

The path to the record was not entirely straightforward. Earlier in the month, the 2025–26 winter briefly appeared to claim the top spot, then slipped to second place after the 2006–07 season was recalculated with the newly discovered snowfall.

Additional March accumulation allowed this winter to reclaim the lead, where it now stands firmly in first place. The 2006–07 season ranks second, followed by 1964–65 in third.

The extraordinary snowfall has caused widespread impacts across Juneau. Some boats in local harbors sank under the weight of accumulated snow in December, a few roofs have collapsed, and crews have struggled to keep up with plowing and snow removal. Residents have also dealt with repeated avalanche concerns on Thane Road and limited access in some areas.

The winter stands out not only for its total accumulation, but also because it runs counter to the broader long-term trend toward warmer, less snowy winters in Southeast Alaska. While additional snow is still possible in April, totals are typically modest late in the season, meaning the record is likely to stand.

The rainy season is ahead, but on March 24, it’s a bluebird day in Juneau, as shown on the Snowcloud camera image at the top of the page. The 2026 cruise season in Juneau kicks off April 26 with the arrival of the Eurodam.