Anchorage, Alaska is currently experiencing an unprecedented amount of snowfall, even by the state's standards. With over 8.5 feet (2.6 meters) of snow already fallen this winter, the city is facing a snow-covered landscape that is causing roofs on commercial buildings to collapse. Officials are now urging residents to take action and clear the roofs of their homes to prevent a similar fate.

Over the weekend, an additional 16 inches (41 centimeters) of snow fell, pushing Anchorage past the 100-inch (254-centimeter) mark earlier than it has ever been in its history. The city is well on its way to breaking the all-time record of 134.5 inches (342 centimeters) of snowfall. Even the most winter-savvy residents are growing tired of the constant shoveling, snow-filled streets, and six days of remote learning due to the ongoing pandemic.

Tamera Flores, an elementary school teacher, expressed her frustration as she shoveled her driveway, with a towering snow pile overshadowing her. "It's miserable," she said. "It's a pandemic of snow."

This is the second consecutive year that Anchorage has experienced over 100 inches (254 centimeters) of snowfall, with last year's total reaching 107.9 inches (274 centimeters). The last time the city had back-to-back years of such heavy snowfall was in 1954-55 and 1955-56.

The weight of the snow has taken a toll on buildings, with three commercial structures already collapsing under the heavy loads. Last year, 16 buildings suffered roof collapses, resulting in one fatality at a gym. As a result, the city has issued guidance for residents to remove snow from their home roofs. Officials have warned that snow loads exceeding 30 pounds per square foot (146 kilograms per square meter) can be dangerous. To put it into perspective, a home with a 1,500 square foot (139 square meter) roof covered in 30 pounds per square foot (146 kilograms per square meter) of snow would be supporting approximately 45,000 pounds (20,411 kilograms), equivalent to the weight of eight full-size light-duty pickup trucks.

Structural distress signs, such as sagging roofs, strange noises coming from the roof, or sticking doors and windows, indicate that the snow may be deforming the structure of the house. Residents are advised to remove the snow if they notice any of these signs.

As a result of the excessive snowfall, businesses offering snow removal services have popped up around town. However, amidst the challenges, some residents have found joy in the winter wonderland. One homeowner in Anchorage has constructed a massive three-tiered snowman standing over 20 feet (6 meters) tall, aptly named "Snowzilla." The towering snowman has become a popular attraction for people wanting to capture photos.

In addition to the heavy snowfall, Anchorage has also experienced extremely cold temperatures. Last week, temperatures dropped below zero (-17.7 degrees Celsius) for seven consecutive nights. Interestingly, it only snowed after the temperatures warmed up on Sunday. This was the first time since 1916 that over an inch of snow fell in Anchorage when temperatures were 2 degrees (-16.6 degrees Celsius) or colder, according to Kenna Mitchell, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service. The forecast predicts a return to bitter cold later in the week, with temperatures dropping below zero at night, possibly reaching the minus 10s (below -23.3 degrees Celsius).

Despite the challenges, Anchorage residents remain resilient. Damon Fitts, a resident shoveling his driveway, expressed the indomitable spirit of Alaskans. "This winter is definitely rough, but us Alaskans are definitely built different," he said. "We can handle 100 inches of snow and still make it to work on time. We can put up with a lot.".