ALASKA SNOW REPORT

February 9 2025

Alaska's winter wonderland is showing a mixed bag of conditions across the state. While some areas brace for a more mellow snowscape with snowpack depths like Eagle River's modest 15 inches, others, such as Alyeska Resort, boast a colossal 140 inches, making it the hot spot for powder hounds seeking the ultimate ride. Skiers, take heed: an avalanche recently swept a thrill-seeker a harrowing 1,200 feet down the mountainside, underscoring the brutal force of nature's snowy clutches. Meanwhile, the Iditarod's siren call is in jeopardy for Utah mushers after a qualifying event went south, mirroring the sparse snowfall in areas like Nome. Whether seeking serene trails or epic slopes, adventurers should stay alert to the snowpack's fickle whims, as Alaska's winter tapestry unfolds in a spectacular yet unpredictable fashion.

Statewide Snowpack 91.0%
of Normal
Coldest Location -20°
Alpine Airstrip
Top 5-Day Forecast 41"
Mcneil River Sgs
Deepest Snowpack 142"
Alyeska Weather Top


Active Weather Alerts

February 9 2025

Residents of Alaska's Yukon Delta Coast and areas including Shishmaref, Bering Strait Coast, Southern Seward Peninsula Coast, and St Lawrence Island are advised to be on high alert as Winter Weather Advisories are in effect until this afternoon and evening. The National Weather Service Fairbanks AK warns of snow and blowing snow, followed by rain and mixed precipitation, with up to one inch of snow and ice accumulations, and wind gusts as high as 45 to 50 mph. Visibility may be severely reduced due to blowing snow, making travel very difficult. Additionally, an Air Quality Alert is in effect for North Pole until Sunday morning, with no current alert for Fairbanks. Residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure safety during these adverse conditions.

About Alaska



Snowpack conditions in Alaska vary across different mountain ranges, affecting the state's runoff rivers, watersheds, and winter climate. The Chugach Mountains, located in south-central Alaska, receive heavy snowfall due to the moist maritime climate. This snowpack provides crucial water resources for the Matanuska and Copper River basins, supporting agriculture and fisheries. The Alaska Range, home to the iconic Denali (North America's tallest peak), experiences drier snow conditions due to its interior location. Snowmelt from this range feeds into the Susitna and Tanana Rivers. The Brooks Range in northern Alaska receives lighter snowfall and contributes to the flow of the Koyukuk and Colville Rivers. Alaska's winter climate is greatly influenced by the Aleutian Low and the Arctic Oscillation, leading to varying snowfall patterns each year. Interesting facts about snow science in Alaska include the use of ground-penetrating radar to measure snow depth and the study of snow crystal structures to understand the stability and avalanche potential of the snowpack.

Snowpack Distribution


       

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