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

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

Freezing Index

The freezing index, or degree days below freezing, can be used to estimate the depth of ground freezing during the winter, the depth of ice that will be formed on a lake, or the amount of heat which must be added to an exposed water tank to keep it unfrozen.

Choose a location below by community name, coordinates, or by clicking on the map to select a point.

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Latitude

Longtitude

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

Freezing index

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

Degree days below 32°F

	0
	1000
	2000
	3000
	4000
	5000
	6000
	≥ 7000

The freezing index is the annual cumulative degree days (°F) below freezing for each location. 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. A higher freezing index means a colder year for that location.

Larger values indicate colder winter temperatures. A decrease in freezing index over time suggests warming conditions and decreased depth and duration of freeze in soils and water bodies.

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