Little Chena Ridge snow report
Little Chena Ridge at a glance
How the snowpack at Little Chena Ridge looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Little Chena Ridge reports 0.0″ of new snowfall today, raising snowpack levels to 0 inches. Snowpack depth is % of normal, which is very low for this time of year. The mountain is perched in Alaska at an elevation of 2,000ft, where the air temperature is about 60°F right now.
Seasonal average snowpack on this calendar day is 2 inches across the station's full record. Below-normal snowpack like this typically translates to a thinner spring runoff downstream and earlier snowmelt -- worth watching for downstream water-supply forecasts.
For real-time and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other stations in the Alaska snow report.
How does this compare to past years?
Year-over-year percentile bands, every recorded powder day, and the deepest snowpack on record each water year at this station.
Weather Forecast
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & snow
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Little Chena Ridge
Little Chena Ridge, AK is situated in the Alaska Range at an elevation ranging from 1,300 to 2,500 feet. The region receives an average annual snowfall of 75-100 inches, with peak snowpacks reaching an average of 6-8 feet. The nearby ski resorts of Moose Mountain and Skiland offer exceptional skiing opportunities throughout the winter months. Climate trends indicate a warming trend in recent years, with an increase in winter precipitation and a decrease in spring snowpack.
Little Chena Ridge is a critical contributor to the hydrology of the region, feeding into the Chena River and its tributaries. The Chena River provides essential water resources for communities throughout the region and supports important fish and wildlife habitats. Additionally, the reservoirs located downstream of the Chena River, including the Olnes Pond and the Chena Flood Control Project Reservoir, serve as critical sources of hydroelectric power and flood control. The health of the snowpack and its contribution to the hydrological cycle in Little Chena Ridge is essential to maintaining the wellbeing of the surrounding ecosystems and communities.
1. Hiking: Little Chena Ridge is located near the Chena River State Recreation Area, which offers numerous hiking trails of varying difficulty levels. Popular hikes include Angel Rocks Trail, Granite Tors Trail, and Chena Dome Trail. These trails provide stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. 2. Fishing: The Chena River State Recreation Area is a popular spot for fishing, with opportunities to catch species such as grayling, rainbow trout, and Arctic char. Anglers can fish from the riverbanks or rent a boat to fish from the water. 3. Canoeing and kayaking: The Chena River offers excellent opportunities for canoeing and kayaking, with calm waters and beautiful scenery. Paddlers can explore the river at their own pace and may even spot wildlife such as moose, beavers, and bald eagles. 4. Camping: There are several campgrounds in the Chena River State Recreation Area, including the Rosehip Campground and the Tors Trail Campground. Campers can enjoy the peace and tranquility of the wilderness while being surrounded by stunning natural beauty. 5. Wildlife viewing: Little Chena Ridge is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, bears, foxes, and birds. Birdwatchers can spot species such as bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and ptarmigans. Wildlife enthusiasts can also take guided tours to learn more about the animals that call this area home.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Little Chena Ridge's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Little Chena Ridge | 0 in |
| Fairbanks | 101 in |
| Upper Nome Creek | 57 in |
| Upper Nome Creek | 1 in |
| Mt. Ryan | 54 in |
| Mt. Ryan | 0 in |
Mountain & avalanche safety
- Know before you go
- Check today's avalanche bulletin from the regional avalanche center before any backcountry / side-country travel. Conditions can shift dramatically between morning and afternoon on storm days.
- Carry the gear, know how to use it
- Beacon, shovel, probe. Practice companion rescue on a calm day, not during a real burial.
- Mind the weather window
- Heavy snow + wind builds wind slabs at ridgelines. The day after a storm is often the riskiest in the backcountry.
- Read the snowpack
- A weak, faceted, or wind-loaded snowpack — like the depth and trend shown above — is exactly what feeds slab avalanches. Dig a pit or check the bulletin before committing to steep terrain.
Track Little Chena Ridge in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Little Chena Ridge reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Little Chena Ridge
Where does the snow data for Little Chena Ridge come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 947. Forecast comes from the NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NRCS SNOTEL stations report continuously (typically hourly). Snoflo refreshes throughout the day; check the "as of" timestamp on the snowpack hero card.
What's the difference between snowpack depth and SWE?
Snowpack depth measures how tall the snow is. SWE (snow water equivalent) measures how much WATER is in that snow. SWE matters more for hydrology and ski-season prediction since dry powder packs less water than wet/spring snow at the same depth.
How is "% of normal" calculated?
Today's snowpack is compared to the historical average snowpack on this calendar day across the station's full record. 100% = right on average; 130% = a big year; 60% = a thin year.
Can I get alerts when fresh snow hits?
Yes -- snow alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this station, set a snowfall threshold (e.g. "alert me when 6+ inches"), and you'll get a push the moment NRCS reports the crossing.
Access the free Little Chena Ridge report
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