Is All of Alaska Covered in Snow?

Anyone who has ever watched the TV shows Ice Road Truckers or Alaska State Troopers might be forgiven for thinking that the state of Alaska is permanently covered with snow. However, that is really not the case. In fact, Alaska’s Kobuk Valley National Park contains a desert with sand dunes that can reach 200 feet (61 m) in height. The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes now cover about 23.5 square miles (39.43 square km), but it is believed that they once covered 300 square miles (482.8 square km). The park is located in northwest Alaska, just above the Arctic Circle.

It's no secret, however, that Alaska does get a lot of snow. The Land of the Midnight Sun has some areas, like Juneau, that average about 8 feet (2.4 meters) of snowfall per year! Fairbanks averages about 5.6 feet (1.7 meters) of snow every year, while the state's most populous city, Anchorage, averages about 4.8 feet (1.5 meters) of annual snowfall.

More about Kobuk Valley National Park:

• Kobuk Valley is so remote that it cannot be reached by car. Most people take air taxis into the park for outdoor adventures.
• Due to its isolated location, the park's headquarters and the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center are located in Kotzebue, about 80 miles (129 km) from the park's entrance.
• There are no roads, trails, campgrounds or regularly-staffed ranger stations in Kobuk Valley National Park. Because of this, many travelers choose to carry a satellite phone (cell phones do not work), as well as a Personal Locator Beacon in case of emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is all of Alaska covered in snow year-round?

No, not all of Alaska is covered in snow year-round. While it's true that certain areas, particularly in the Arctic and mountainous regions, can maintain snow cover throughout the year, many parts of Alaska experience a complete melt during the summer months. According to the National Weather Service, Alaska's diverse climate leads to significant regional variations in snowfall and temperature.

How much of Alaska is covered in snow during winter?

During winter, a large portion of Alaska is covered in snow due to its high latitude and cold climate. The exact percentage varies from year to year, but the Alaska Climate Research Center reports that almost the entire state receives some level of snowfall, with the heaviest accumulations typically found in the coastal mountain ranges and the interior regions.

What is the average snowfall in Alaska's most populated areas?

The average snowfall in Alaska's most populated areas, like Anchorage, varies. Anchorage receives about 75 inches of snow annually, according to the National Weather Service. Fairbanks, in the interior, can see upwards of 60 inches, while Juneau, in the southeastern region, averages around 100 inches of snow each year.

Does the snow impact the wildlife in Alaska?

Snow has a significant impact on wildlife in Alaska, influencing migration patterns, food availability, and habitat. Animals like the caribou migrate to areas with less snow for easier access to food, while others, such as the Arctic fox, change their coat color for camouflage against the snow, as noted by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Are there any parts of Alaska that never receive snow?

It is extremely rare for any part of Alaska to never receive snow. However, the southern coastal regions, particularly the Aleutian Islands, receive more rain than snow due to their maritime climate, as reported by the Alaska Climate Research Center. Even so, these areas can still experience occasional snowfall.

How does snowfall in Alaska compare to other northern regions?

Snowfall in Alaska is generally heavier than in many other northern regions due to its proximity to the Arctic and the presence of mountainous terrain that can enhance snowfall through orographic lift. For instance, Valdez, located in Southcentral Alaska, is one of the snowiest places in the United States, with an average snowfall of over 300 inches, as per the National Weather Service records.