Anchorage cleared 89.3 inches of snow through March, about 18 inches more than the city typically sees by this point in the season, according to National Weather Service data.

Mayor Suzanne LaFrance's administration budgeted $38.2 million for snow removal this winter, up $4.7 million from the previous year. The city spent the full amount but did not exceed its budget, officials said Tuesday.

The increase reflects higher fuel and equipment costs. LaFrance took office in July 2024 after a campaign where snow removal featured as a central issue.

Two heavy months pushed crews

January brought 27.4 inches of snow, nearly double the typical amount. February added 22.1 inches, also well above average. The back-to-back heavy months kept city crews working continuously to clear more than 1,600 lane miles of roadway.

Last winter saw lighter snowfall. The city received 76.8 inches total in 2023-2024 but still spent $2.1 million beyond its budget under former Mayor Dave Bronson.

The city now operates 47 pieces of heavy equipment, up from 43 the previous year. Officials said the additional equipment helped crews handle this winter's heavier snowfall without the budget overruns that marked recent years.

The last time Anchorage saw snowfall similar to this winter was 2011-2012, when the city received 134.5 inches total for the season.