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

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design thawing 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 Thawing Index

The design thawing index is the average thawing index for the three warmest years of the 30 years in the era (historical or projected).

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Latitude

Longtitude

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

Design thawing index

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

Degree days above 32°F

	0
	1000
	2000
	3000
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	5000
	6000
	≥ 7000

The design thawing index is the mean of the three years with the highest thawing index for each location. The thawing index is the annual cumulative degree days (°F) above freezing. These degree days are calculated by taking the number of degrees above 32°F for each day of the year and adding them together into a single value. A higher design thawing index means a warmer era for that location.

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

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