Snowfall in Alaska varies greatly by region. Snowfall is distributed according to the characteristics of each area, including the western coast, inland, and northern regions.

• Western Coast (Anchorage, Juneau): An average of about 75 inches of snow falls annually. Due to the maritime climate, there is a lot of snowfall and it snows frequently.
• Inland (Fairbanks): An average of about 57 inches of snow falls annually. With a continental climate, it experiences very cold weather in winter along with significant snowfall.
• Eastern Alaska: An average of over 60 inches of snow falls annually. The maritime climate leads to heavy rain and significant snowfall.
• Northern Alaska: An average of about 30 inches of snow falls annually. With a polar climate, it does not snow heavily, but winters are very cold and long.

Monthly Average Snowfall

The monthly average snowfall in Alaska varies somewhat by region. Focusing on major cities, it is as follows:

Anchorage

• January: About 15 inches of snow falls.
• February: About 12 inches of snow falls.
• March: About 10 inches of snow falls.
• April: About 5 inches of snow falls.
• May: About 2 inches of snow falls.
• June: Very little snow falls.
• July: Very little snow falls.
• August: Very little snow falls.
• September: About 1 inch of snow falls.
• October: About 3 inches of snow falls.
• November: About 10 inches of snow falls.
• December: About 15 inches of snow falls.

Main Features:

• Winter (December to February): Anchorage experiences heavy snowfall in winter, and blizzards occur frequently.
• Spring and Fall: Snow occasionally falls in spring and fall, but there is almost no snow in summer.

The highest recorded snowfall in Alaska varies by region, but the highest snowfall recorded in Anchorage was during a blizzard on July 1, 1989, when 30 inches (about 762mm) of snow fell. This snowfall resulted from a concentrated period of heavy snow, causing flooding and inundation in the area.

Main Impacts:

• Flooding: Sudden heavy snowfall caused flooding of roads and homes, leading to traffic paralysis and residential damage.
• Infrastructure Damage: The sewer system and road infrastructure suffered significant damage, requiring a long time for recovery.
• Casualties: Some casualties were reported due to accidents caused by the snowfall.
• Traffic Disruption: Heavy snowfall caused flight delays and cancellations, as well as road closures, leading to traffic chaos.

Regional Characteristics

Alaska's vast area and diverse terrain result in significant climate variations by region.

• Western Coast: Primarily a maritime climate, it receives a lot of rain throughout the year. Frequent rainfall helps maintain rich greenery and a humid environment.
• Inland: With a continental climate, summers are hot and dry, while winters are very cold and dry. Snowfall is more common than rain.
• Eastern Alaska: A maritime climate with heavy rainfall, maintaining a humid environment. During summer, heavy rains from hurricanes and thunderstorms occur frequently.
• Northern Alaska: A polar climate where snowfall is more common than rain, and winters are very cold and long.

Considerations for Rain and Snow

If you plan to visit or live in Alaska, it is important to consider the following:

1. Use of Air Conditioners and Dehumidifiers: In humid areas, using air conditioners and dehumidifiers is essential to maintain a comfortable indoor environment.
2. Stay Hydrated: Due to high humidity and temperatures, there is a risk of dehydration, so it is important to drink plenty of water.
3. Plan Outdoor Activities: During periods of frequent rain, check the weather forecast for outdoor activities and avoid times when rain is likely.
4. Flood Preparedness: Some areas are at risk of flooding due to sudden heavy rains, so it is important to have a flood preparedness plan and know emergency evacuation routes if necessary.
5. Building and Infrastructure Management: During rainy periods, it is necessary to check the drainage systems of buildings and ensure proper drainage on roads.
6. Hurricane Preparedness: During hurricane season (June to November), it is important to prepare a hurricane preparedness kit and have an evacuation plan in place.
7. Snow Preparedness: In winter, heavy snowfall occurs, so it is important to prepare snow removal tools and be cautious when driving on snowy roads.

The climate in Alaska varies greatly by region, and the annual average number of rainy days, rainfall, and snowfall can differ significantly based on the climatic characteristics of each area. The annual average ranges from 30 to 150 rainy days, and the monthly average rainfall and snowfall can vary widely by region and season, but extreme weather events such as record heavy rain and snowfall can also occur.