Crisp Air and Termination Dust Signal Change in Seasons

There comes a turning point in the weather where you feel a hint of the coming winter as the days turn to autumn. Even though this summer was cool and rainy, a morning arrived and Juneauites woke up and we all knew instinctively that summer was over. Yes, the fireweed bloomed out some time ago and the poplar, alder, and cottonwood leaves started taking on a golden color last month. The breezes kicked up early departing leaves as we walked down trails, and fireweed seed fluff floated to their next home to advertise summer with pink blooms next year. Yes, the physical signs were all ushering in the thoughts of fall, but there wasn’t yet a “feel” of autumn.

Suddenly – there it is! One morning, before even the first sign of new snow on the mountains comes calling, a crispness in the air snaps a little more sharply. It comes with no more fanfare than a little sunshine and breeze. Not long after, the early dusting of snow on local mountain tops, known locally as “termination dust,” starts to appear around town. The peaks behind the Mendenhall Glacier are among the first to show off their winter white followed by Mount McGinnis, Stroller White, and Mount Bullard. The hanging glacier in Lemon Creek also starts to gather a dusting of snow, and the Silverbow Basin up behind downtown Juneau sports patches of powder as well. Winter is on its way.

The arrival of fall in Juneau means more than pumpkin spice and hot chocolate. It’s the time of year when the town comes alive with arts and events. Juneau is home to an amazing symphony, five theatre companies, dozens of events hosted by the Juneau Arts & Humanities Council, workshops, art shows, karaoke, open-mic nights, beer tastings, drag shows, fundraisers, and anything else you can imagine. Juneau decks itself out in holiday lights as the darkness starts to increase by five minutes a day. Fall and winter decorations change with the season and the town gears up for October rain and November magic.

The Juneau Public Market – showcasing artisans from Juneau and around Alaska and now in its 50^th year – takes place after Thanksgiving. This “old home week” experience has residents taking in the sights, shopping, and seeing friends and family we may not have seen for a while. It’s tradition! Early December ushers in the annual Gallery Walk when stores, galleries, and studios open their doors all weekend in a celebration and exhibition of local and statewide artisans. Locations feature hot apple cider, cookies, special book signings, author meet-and-greets, and exclusive deals. Residents and visitors walk amidst twinkly lights, festive street events, Victorian carolers, and light snow. The backdrop of Gallery Walk provides a perfect way to celebrate the world slowing down and to meet and dine with friends.

It all starts with a crisp feeling in the air and a little termination dust. Fall is here. Winter is coming. Come join us for a long weekend or when the snow flies and experience the cozy time of year!