1. Trump Revives Controversial Ambler Road And Backs It Up With Cash
After years of litigation and environmental pushback, President Trump has signed an executive order clearing the way for a 211-mile access road connecting the Dalton Highway to the Ambler Mining District in northwest Alaska.Â
To sweeten the deal, the U.S. government is injecting $35.6 million into Trilogy Metals, acquiring a 10% direct stake, plus warrants for another 7.5%. Natural Resources Committee
Why this matters:
- The Ambler area is rich in critical minerals, copper, cobalt, gallium, and germanium, resources the U.S. wants to secure domestically.Â
- Trumpâs decision explicitly reverses a 2024 Biden-era decision that denied permits on environmental grounds. The White House
- Construction is slated to support 2,730 jobs, with projected revenues above $1.1 billion from taxes, royalties, and other charges for Alaska. The White House, Natural Resources Committee
- Not all are cheering: in villages along the proposed route, some see the road as a threat to subsistence hunting, fishing, and undisturbed habitat.Â
Where to watch: Legal challenges loom, environmental groups are gearing up, and Alaska Native communities whose subsistence Opponents of the project have cited the potential negative impacts on the regional environment, culture, and subsistence practices from the road itself and subsequent mining projects. will likely be central voices in the conflict.
2. One Body Recovered from Girdwood Avalanche After 7 Months of Search
In March, a massive avalanche buried three heli-skiers under 40 to 100 feet of snow in the Chugach Mountains near Girdwood. Recovery efforts stalled due to extreme terrain, avalanche risk, and limited access. On October 3, search teams recovered one body from a log jam beneath the debris. The remains are undergoing autopsy to confirm identity. The other two remain missing. AST
Background details:
- The three men have been identified: David Linder (39, Florida), Charles Eppard (39, Montana), and Jeremy Leif (38, Minnesota). Sources
- At the time, guides used avalanche beacons and located burial sites, but recovery was deemed unsafe.Â
- Earlier reports confirmed that despite monthly aerial searches and specialized sensors, no remains had been located until now.Â
This development finally offers some closure, though the families await confirmation and the search continues for the other two.
3. Winter Storm Alert: Up to 9 Inches Expected, Travel Disruptions Loom
Forecasters are warning of a major snow event across parts of Alaska from Thursday into Friday, with up to 9 inches of accumulation in some regions. Multiple weather advisories have been issued; local traffic and road conditions expected to worsen. This could severely affect travel for remote communities, mountain passes, and rural roads, especially places already dealing with early-season snow and ice.
đ Affected Regions & Expected Impacts
Northern Alaska / Western Arctic / Brooks Range
- A strong frontal system will bring snow, wind, and coastal flooding to western and northern portions of the state.Â
- Coastal flood warnings remain in effect in Northwest Alaska as waves, high tides, and wind-driven surge combine.Â
- Wind gusts could exceed 50 mph, especially along the Seward Peninsula, Bering Strait, and Yukon Delta regions.Â
- In the Western Brooks Range and Alaska Range, snow accumulation could reach 10 to 15 inches (1+ foot), heavy snow in high terrain is likely. Weather.gov
Interior, Steese / Elliott / White Mountains / Chatanika Valley
- The winter weather advisory covers highways and regions including the Steese Highway, Elliott Highway, Chatanika Valley, and White Mountains. Up to 9 inches of snow is expected.Â
- Expect slick roads, reduced visibility, and drifting snow, especially on high elevation roads and passes.Â
- As cold air builds in, nighttime lows will drop below freezing in many areas, increasing the risk of black ice. Weather.gov
Southcentral / Anchorage Region
- For Southcentral, the first part of the storm will bring rain showers and gusty winds.
- As colder air moves in, mixing or snow is possible at higher elevations or in outlying areas.
- Overnight lows may drop near or below freezing in some parts of Anchorage, especially west side. Weather.gov
Southeast / Panhandle
- The Southeast is mostly seeing drier weather returning, with occasional showers.
- Cooler temperatures are forecast next week, but major snow impacts are not expected in this region during the storm window. Weather.gov
Kotzebue / Northwestern Alaska / Coastal Communities
- Mandatory evacuations have been ordered in Kotzebue due to flood risk. Water levels could reach 8 to 10 feet above high tide. City of Kotzebue
- Other communities in Northwest Alaska, Kivalina, Shishmaref, Golovin, Nunam Iqua, are preparing for storm impacts and possible evacuations. Alaska Public Media
- Strong winds and tide surges may damage infrastructure roads, docks, power systems. Alaska Public Media
âïž Snowbound North: Atigun Pass Buried in Early Winter Storm
A photo from 511.alaska.gov shows Atigun Pass on the Dalton Highway blanketed in heavy snow, marking one of the earliest and most intense starts to the cold season in years.
The pass, at 4,739 feet, is Alaskaâs highest year-round highway crossing â and the only road link between the North Slope and the rest of the state. As of Wednesday, visibility was reduced to near zero in blowing snow, with plow crews working around the clock to keep the corridor open.
According to the Alaska Department of Transportation, snow depth along the upper stretches of the Dalton has already exceeded 10 inches, with drifts forming across the lanes. Wind gusts topping 40 mph created near-whiteout conditions throughout the day.
Travel is strongly discouraged through Thursday night, with commercial traffic delays reported north of Coldfoot and south of Pump Station 4.
âThis storm is an early reminder of whatâs coming,â one DOT forecaster said. âDrivers need to shift into full winter readiness now.â
â ïž Hazards & What to Watch
| Hazard | Primary Region(s) | What to Watch / Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal flooding & erosion | Northwest, Kotzebue region | Water inundation of low-lying areas, docks, roads; evacuations already underway in Kotzebue Alaska Public Media |
| Heavy snow / drifting snow | Mountainous Western Brooks, Alaska Range, interior passes | Deep accumulations above 10 in; reduced visibility; snow drifts |
| Slick/icy roads, black ice | Interior, elevated highways (Steese, Elliott) | Dangerous driving conditions, especially at night |
| Strong winds | Coastal zones, passes, western Alaska | Gusts > 50 mph in exposed areas |
| Rapid temperature drop | Throughout interior and southward push | Freezing of roads, slushy surfaces turning to ice |
đ Travel & Safety Tips (for these regions)
- Delay nonessential travel between Thursday and Friday, especially in interior and northern parts.
- If you must drive, carry winter emergency kits: shovel, traction aids (sand/salt), blankets, food, extra water.
- Watch avalanche potential in steep terrain if snow starts to stack in mountain zones.
- In coastal areas, move to higher ground, heed evacuation orders (as in Kotzebue).
- Monitor local forecasts via NWS, local radio, or apps as conditions can change rapidly in mountainous areas.
đČ Roll for Adventure: Alaska Roleplaying Game Convention Hits the Valley
Looking for a break from snowstorms and icy roads? Adventure awaits just an hour north of Anchorage at the Alaska Roleplaying Game Convention, October 10â12, at the Best Western Lake Lucille Inn. This three-day tabletop extravaganza is perfect for fans of indie and old-school games, though most roleplaying genres are welcome.
Gamemasters get extra perks like snacks, door-prize entries, and even badge rebates, plus some score a T-shirt for their efforts. Kids and teens can attend at a discount, making it a great family-friendly outing. Industry guests such as Alex Bates (Forge of Ice), Keelan Halverson (The Wonkee), Kim Washburn (GoGoFiasco), and Jeshields (Grazing Mace Games) will be on hand, ready to share tips, run games, and inspire new adventures.
Whether youâre plotting epic quests, rolling dice, or simply soaking up the tabletop community, Alaska RPG Conpromises fun, creativity, and maybe even a critical hit or two. Donât forget to grab your badge ahead of time!
