Author: The Tundra Drums Staff

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation has issued a Stage 2 Air Quality Alert for the North Pole Zone, citing conditions that could lead to unhealthy levels of air pollution. The alert is effective from Thursday, January 1, at 12:00 p.m. through Friday, January 2, at 2:00 p.m. During this period, burning is prohibited unless a NOASH (No Other Adequate Source of Heat) exemption is in place. Stage 2 alerts are typically issued during winter temperature inversions, when cold air traps smoke and other pollutants near the ground. These conditions can significantly reduce air quality, especially in Interior Alaska communities…

The application period for the Permanent Fund Dividend is now officially open, marking the return of Pick.Click.Give, a program that allows Alaskans to donate a portion of their dividend to charitable causes across the state. When applying for a PFD, residents can choose to support organizations they care about, including the Food Bank of Alaska, which helps address food insecurity in communities statewide. According to the Food Bank of Alaska, every $25 donated helps provide approximately 50 meals to neighbors in need. Program organizers say Pick.Click.Give offers a simple and flexible way for Alaskans to give back while completing their…

Skywatchers will have a striking celestial event to welcome the new year, as the first full moon of 2026 rises on the night of January 3. Known as the Super Wolf Moon, the lunar display will appear larger and brighter than an average full moon as it reaches its closest point to Earth during its orbit. Astronomy observers say the supermoon will dominate the night sky, offering excellent viewing conditions for anyone stepping outside after sunset. Clear skies will provide the best opportunity to see the Moon’s enhanced size and brightness without any special equipment. Adding to the spectacle, a…

Officials are advising residents that the Fox Well is currently closed due to freezing conditions. Facilities crews are on site actively working to thaw the well and restore service as safely and quickly as possible. The closure is precautionary, as freezing temperatures can impact well operations and equipment reliability. Also Read: Heads Up: Fox Well Temporarily Closed for Maintenance An update will be shared once the well has reopened and conditions allow normal operation to resume. In the meantime, residents are thanked for their patience and understanding as crews address the issue during extreme winter conditions.

Crews are continuing efforts to reopen the Klondike Highway after two avalanches came down onto the roadway, blocking travel and creating hazardous conditions. According to transportation officials, avalanche debris remains on the highway, and clearing operations are complex due to ongoing safety concerns in the area. Officials said the work is expected to take several days, and there is no estimated time of reopening at this point. Avalanche response and cleanup require careful monitoring of surrounding slopes to ensure conditions are safe for crews to operate heavy equipment. As a result, progress may be slow as teams balance roadway access…

Starting January 1, the Alaska State Parks is rolling out a new way for Alaskans and visitors to explore the state’s vast outdoor spaces with the launch of the Alaska State Parks Passport Challenge. The digital challenge invites participants to turn their park visits into a modern travel log, allowing them to collect digital passport stamps and badges as they explore Alaska’s diverse landscapes. From rugged coastlines and alpine trails to forested campgrounds and scenic overlooks, each visit becomes part of a growing personal record of outdoor adventures. Using the OuterSpatial app, users can check in at parks across the…

The Alaska State Parks is inviting the public to start the new year outdoors with a First Day Ski and Snowshoe event in the Kachemak Bay area on January 1, 2026. The gathering will take place at Eveline State Recreation Site, with participants meeting at noon. The event is open to all skill levels and offers a relaxed pace, allowing attendees to ski, snowshoe, or walk the trails while enjoying the winter scenery. Organizers say the event is designed as a casual New Year’s Day celebration, featuring guided tours, hot drinks, snacks from the grill, and a warming fire. Donations…

As winter conditions continue across Anchorage, officials are reminding cyclists that biking can remain a safe and reliable commuting option with the right preparation. A new winter cycling safety graphic highlights several key steps riders can take to stay visible, warm, and in control during cold and snowy weather. Transportation and health officials recommend adjusting tire pressure to improve traction on icy or snow-packed roads, along with wearing warm, layered clothing to protect against extreme cold and wind. Riders are also encouraged to plan routes in advance, choosing well-maintained roads and bike-friendly paths whenever possible. Visibility is a major concern…

The Alaska Railroad has announced the cancellation of the Aurora Winter Train for January 3–4, 2026, citing extreme winter temperatures along the rail corridor between Denali National Park and Fairbanks. Railroad officials said the decision was made to prioritize passenger and crew safety as severe cold conditions impact operations in Interior Alaska. Extremely low temperatures can affect rail equipment performance and increase safety risks along the route. To maintain essential access for remote residents, the Hurricane Turn Train will still operate on Saturday, January 3. The service will assist Flagstop residents traveling back to town from remote cabins, ensuring continued…

Following a recent engineering inspection, Unalaska Airport is expected to reopen at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 30, airport officials confirmed. Upon reopening, all flight operations will be conducted under PPR (Prior Permission Required) status. Pilots and operators must provide a minimum of 30 minutes’ notice to allow crews to complete final electrical installation activities associated with ongoing maintenance work. Airport staff will continue to closely monitor the runway shoulder area for any additional degradation as work progresses toward a permanent solution to erosion concerns identified during inspections. Officials emphasized that safety remains the top priority for runway operations, airfield…

Transportation officials are addressing public concerns about visible gaps at the ends of the Tazlina Bridge, saying the issue is expected during extreme cold and does not indicate an unanticipated problem. According to the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, the bridge is undergoing a rehabilitation project that will continue next construction season, when permanent bridge joints are scheduled to be installed. Until then, the current condition reflects normal bridge behavior in cold temperatures. Officials explained that all bridges expand and contract as temperatures change. With the recent cold snap in Interior Alaska, the bridge joints are at their…

The rumors are true. The Blues Brothers have landed safely in Alaska and are officially on their way to take the stage at Justin Cole’s Down East Saloon for a high-energy New Year’s Eve 2026 celebration. According to event organizers, the iconic blues and soul act will perform Wednesday night, Dec. 31, with music running from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. The show promises a full-throttle night of live music described as “all gas, no brakes,” carrying fans straight into the new year. In a move sure to excite local music lovers, there will be no cover charge for the…