Author: The Tundra Drums Staff
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…
As winter temperatures drop across Anchorage, city officials are reminding drivers that plugging in engine block heaters when temperatures reach 20°F or colder can make a meaningful difference for both vehicles and local air quality. According to the Anchorage Health Department, using an engine block heater helps vehicles start more efficiently in extreme cold, reduces cold-start exhaust emissions, and contributes to improved air quality during winter inversions. To support this effort, the Anchorage Health Department is offering free outlet timers to residents, available while supplies last. These timers help ensure block heaters are used efficiently, reducing unnecessary electricity use while…
The Klondike Highway is closed today, Sunday, Dec. 28, due to blizzard conditions and an elevated avalanche hazard, officials announced. Transportation authorities said severe weather, including strong winds, blowing snow, and reduced visibility, has made travel unsafe along the highway. Avalanche risk in nearby mountainous terrain also contributed to the decision to close the route. The closure is expected to remain in effect overnight, with crews planning to assess conditions Monday morning, Dec. 29, before determining whether it is safe to reopen the highway. Travelers are advised to avoid the area and delay trips until conditions improve. Updates on the…
Transportation officials are warning travelers and residents of increased avalanche risk above Thane Road as winter weather intensifies over the next several days. According to the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, forecasts indicate the potential for heavy snowfall, strong winds, and warming at higher elevations from December 27 through December 30, 2025. These conditions can rapidly raise avalanche danger on steep slopes above Thane Road and increase the likelihood that an avalanche could reach the roadway. DOT&PF is reminding all travelers to strictly follow posted warning signs and to avoid stopping or parking within the avalanche zone. Officials…
Snow has arrived across Southeast Alaska, with spotter reports indicating snowfall is increasing in both intensity and coverage across the region, according to the National Weather Service in Juneau. As of mid-morning Saturday, several communities had already reported measurable snow accumulation. Security Bay, southwest of Kake, reported 3.2 inches by 9:42 a.m. Yakutat recorded 2.6 inches as of 8:30 a.m., while Gustavus saw 4.25 inches by 10:15 a.m. Additional reports included 2 inches in the Haines and Mud Bay area by 9:50 a.m., 1.1 inches in Mendenhall Valley near the National Weather Service office by 9 a.m., and approximately three-quarters…
December 22, 2025 DR-4893-AK MA-005 FEMA News Desk: (425) 487-4610 fema-r10-newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov ANCHORAGE, Alaska – FEMA’s dedicated Alaska Call Center is supporting survivors impacted by the October West Coast Storms. The call center will be closed Dec. 24, 25, and 26, and will reopen Saturday, Dec. 27. The call center is open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. It is closed on Sundays. Survivors may contact the call center at 1-866-342-1699. Yup’ik translators are available to support the call center from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday,…