Book Description

The physical, meteorological and climatological aspects of freezing precipitation in the Tanana River Basin of central Alaska are examined. Periods of inclement weather are evaluated with respect to frequency and duration, and concurrent temperature, wind, atmospheric pressure and visibility conditions. Although relatively dry polar continental air masses dominate the area in winter, massive intrusions of maritime air occasionally produce a major snowstorm and, in rare instances, rain or freezing rain. Because of the surrounding mountain ranges, snow occurs most often when the atmospheric pressure is rising and the winds are from the west. Ice fogs are observed at temperatures below -21F, and very few water-droplet fogs are reported at temperatures below -31F. The relationships between air masses, fronts and local climatic influences may be used in forecasting winter precipitation in central Alaska. The statistical survey presented also contributes new information on winter weather conditions in this region. (Author).