Record snowfall sinks 8 boats in Juneau harbor, closes schools and businesses

JUNEAU, Alaska (KTUU) - Eight boats have sunk in Juneau’s harbor due to record-breaking snowfall that has paralyzed Alaska’s capital city and prompted school closures.

Harbor crews are working around the clock to clear snow and salvage vessels, but officials say the accumulation has created dangerous conditions throughout the community.

“We have a whole bunch of kids that walk to school here in Juneau when there’s no sidewalks available, and the snow is six feet deep on either side of the road and you can’t see around corners and stop signs,” Matthew Creswell, Juneau Harbor Master, said. “It’s not a real safe situation happening right now.”

School and business closures

Schools closed Monday due to the snow. The Juneau School District could not be reached Monday for information about the rest of the week’s schedule.

Juneau’s pet store was closed for roof repairs with no clear estimate for reopening.

A local resident who runs a pet business said a shipment of bugs for reptile owners was cancelled because of the storm, and he is asking the community for help.

Last week, a local karate dojo’s roof collapsed under the snow weight. The owner, Doug Murray, said they will move to a temporary location for a year while repairs are made. He started a GoFundMe for repair costs.

Harbor recovery efforts

“We’ve still got some of our bigger boats that still have to be raised,” Creswell said. “And as soon as the weather improves, after we get those up out of the water, then we’ll start figuring out plans from there, whether the boats have to get disposed of or if they’re salvageable.”

Creswell praised his crew’s efforts during the crisis.

“Our streets and fleets crew has just been killing it, working around the clock,” he said. “And I mean, at times I’m sure they feel like we do too. They’re just fighting a losing battle.”

More snow is forecast for the area.

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