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

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design freezing index

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

Design Freezing Index

The design freezing index is the mean of the cumulative annual below freezing degree days (or Freezing Index) for the top three years in the era.

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Longtitude

✓ Historical (1980-2009)
Projected (2070-2099, NCAR CCSM4, RCP 8.5)

Design freezing index

These layers show the historical or projected design freezing index across Alaska.

Degree days below 32°F

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	≥ 7000

The design freezing index is the mean of the three years with the highest freezing index for each location. The freezing index is the annual cumulative degree days (°F) below freezing. These degree days are calculated by taking the number of degrees below 32°F for each day of the year and adding them together into a single value. Larger values indicate colder annual temperatures.

These are the highest likely values of the freezing index — a useful measure when design criteria are governed by the deepest likely frozen ground or ice.

A decrease in design freezing index over time suggests less extreme cold temperatures with a decrease in necessary insulation and heating.

Access detailed information about the dataset used to calculate the design freezing index, including source data downloads.