January finishes with little snowfall at sea level, but plenty higher up

Skiers might have had a good time at Eaglecrest, but the first month of the year didn’t bring many flakes at sea level.

Alaska’s capital city finished January with only 3.6 inches of snow, the eighth-lowest tally since recordkeeping began at the airport in 1936.

The record low was tied last year, which had only a trace of snow in January.

At higher elevations, more snow was recorded, because even though the month didn’t bring much snow at sea level, it was plenty wet. Airport measurements indicated 6.27 inches of precipitation (rain and melted snow); that figure was 0.92 inches above normal.

Colder temperatures above sea level turned more of that precipitation into snow.

More than half the month’s precipitation fell in a four-day span, Jan. 13-16.

Other than the lack of snow at sea level, January’s winds may have been the most notable weather event to start the new year.

In the weather service’s summary of the month, it reported: “High wind warnings were issued for various portions of the panhandle on six different occasions, with the first on the 5th of January and the last on the 27th of the month. In addition to these high wind events, there were numerous times where strong wind gusts of 40 mph or greater impacted the region.”

Temperatures during the month averaged 29.8 degrees, 1.5 degrees above normal.

More in News

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Aurora forecast through the week of Feb. 15

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

Daaljíni Mary Cruise, left, offers encouragement to participants in a Unity for the Queer Community rally at the Alaska State Capitol on Sunday afternoon. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Hundreds participate in Juneau LGBTQ+ rally as Trump administration seeks to erase letters and rights

President’s actions to stop “woke” are putting people’s safety and health at risk, participants say.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Saturday, March 8, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Friday, March 7, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Empire / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Thursday, March 6, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

The Alaska State Capitol is seen on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in front of snow-covered Mount Juneau. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
As Alaska Legislature tackles education funding, a bigger budget debate looms

State faces short-term and long-term fiscal problems this year, with many options being considered.

Sabrina Donnellan and her family attend a community luncheon for federal employees at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church on Saturday, March 8, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Fired and current federal employees find solidarity as community offers support

Trump administration seeks to make government more efficient; fired employees say opposite will happen.

Jonas Nordwall performs a noontime concert on the 1928 Kimball Theatre Pipe Organ at the State Office Building on Friday. Weekly concerts featuring various performers at the instrument draw between 20 to 50 people, according to an official at the Alaska State Museum, which owns the organ. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Century-old theater organ in State Office Building at ‘tipping point’ for decision on long-term repairs

Officials say up to $300K needed for rebuilding to keep it playable for decades; otherwise “it’ll die.”

Trucks haul shipping containers and other cargo through the terminal at the Port of Los Angeles, in San Pedro, Calif., Feb. 14, 2025. President Donald Trump said that Americans would be better off in the long run from his tariffs, which he said would prevent the country from being “ripped off.” (Mark Abramson/The New York Times)
Trump declines to rule out recession as tariffs begin to bite

President says Americans will be better off in the long run, policies will keep country from being “ripped off.”

Most Read