University of Alaska Fairbanks | Scenarios Network for Alaska + Arctic Planning

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Thanks for checking out this tool! Until our complete launch in summer 2024, this is a public beta, which means that we’re still gathering feedback, testing data outputs and fixing bugs.

Data from this tool should not yet be used for engineering or decision–making purposes because datasets, while robust, have not yet been fully validated. However, “test driving” the tool by exploring layers and extracting data can be useful for project overviews and “ballpark” estimates.

Learn more about what’s in development and how to provide feedback

Precipitation

Mean annual precipitation (total rainwater equivalent) varies from over 7500 mm (300 in) in parts of southeastern Alaska to 100 mm (4 in) along the Arctic coast. These layers show cumulative annual precipitation across Alaska.

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Latitude

Longtitude

✓ Historical (1980–2009)
Projected Mid–Century (2040–2069, NCAR CCSM4, RCP 8.5)

Precipitation

These layers show historical or projected cumulative annual precipitation across Alaska. Solid precipitation (ice and snow) are measured as water equivalent here.

	0in
	10in
	20in
	50in
	100in
	200in
	≥ 400in

The Pacific Mountain System intercepts much of the moisture in the air leaving the North Pacific Ocean. To the north, additional mountain ranges dry the air, further decreasing mean annual precipitation to as little as four inches per year north of the Brooks Range. The Bering Sea and Arctic Ocean are relatively poor sources of moisture for precipitation.

The Arctic and Interior (area between the Brooks Range to the north and the Alaska Range to the south) regions are often classed as semiarid and arid because of their low rainfall. However, due to permafrost, which prevents subterranean drainage, and low evaporation and transpiration rates (particularly during the winters) water needs are less than at lower latitudes.

The Interior is generally not a water–limited ecosystem, with large areas of wet muskeg and lakes as well as significant river runoff. In the Arctic, countless shallow lakes disguise the fact that water supplies are limited, though the area never exhibits the standard desert environmental characteristics.

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