Juneau, Alaska, is situated in the state’s Panhandle, nestled along the Gastineau Channel and surrounded by the immense Tongass National Forest. The city’s climate is defined by its coastal location within a temperate rainforest, resulting in a mild and exceptionally moist environment. This setting of deep fjords, towering mountains, and proximity to the Pacific Ocean generates a tremendous amount of annual precipitation. This constant moisture raises a common question about the winter weather: how much of that precipitation falls as snow? The amount varies greatly depending on the precise location within the city and from one year to the next.
Juneau’s Average Annual Snow Totals
The official measure of Juneau’s yearly snowfall is recorded at the Juneau International Airport, the primary reporting station for the region. Based on the 30-year climate normals (1991–2020), the average annual snowfall at the airport is approximately 87.6 inches, or about 7.3 feet. This figure establishes the baseline for the area, though it does not fully capture the dynamic variability of Juneau’s winter weather.
Historical data shows a wide range in annual totals. For example, the snowiest year on record occurred in 1994, accumulating 212.1 inches (nearly 17.7 feet). This demonstrates that the city can receive more than double its average annual snowfall when powerful winter systems move through the Gulf of Alaska.
This official average is derived from a single, low-elevation site. The quantity of snow Juneau receives is directly influenced by large-scale climate patterns, such as the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). During the warm phase of the PDO, higher sea surface temperatures tend to decrease snowfall at sea level. Conversely, the cold phase often correlates with higher snow totals, illustrating why accumulation deviates dramatically from the established average.
The Typical Snow Season and Peak Months
Juneau’s snowy season typically begins in late fall and concludes in early spring. The first measurable snowfall at sea level usually occurs in November, though it has been delayed until mid-December in some years. The official snow season generally runs from mid-October through mid-April, marking the period when accumulation is possible.
The heaviest and most consistent snowfall occurs during the heart of the winter. January is the peak snow month, consistently averaging the highest accumulation, typically between 23.0 and 24.5 inches. December and February also contribute significantly to the seasonal total, with each month usually recording over a foot of new snow.
The nature of the snowfall is influenced by the city’s proximity to the mild Pacific Ocean. Juneau’s winter temperatures frequently hover close to the freezing point, meaning precipitation often falls as wet, heavy snow. This condition can rapidly switch to rain, creating mixed precipitation events, including freezing rain or sleet. These rapid transitions are a distinguishing characteristic of the winter climate in this temperate rainforest region.
How Snowfall Varies By Elevation and Location
Juneau’s complex topography, characterized by a narrow coastal strip backed by steep mountains, creates immense variation in snowfall over short distances. The official records from the low-lying airport are not representative of all areas within the City and Borough of Juneau. Differences in elevation and localized weather patterns mean that some communities receive far less snow, while others see much greater accumulations.
The downtown area, situated closer to the Gastineau Channel, receives considerably less snow than the airport, with annual totals sometimes reported as low as 40 inches. This lower accumulation is likely due to warmer marine air keeping temperatures just above freezing, causing more precipitation to fall as rain. Conversely, areas at higher elevations experience much colder temperatures, ensuring a greater proportion of moisture falls and stays as snow.
High-altitude locations, such as the Eaglecrest Ski Area on Douglas Island, demonstrate this disparity dramatically. The lodge at Eaglecrest regularly receives annual totals around 185 inches, more than double the amount recorded at the airport. This elevation difference is a primary factor, as temperatures drop roughly 3.5 degrees Fahrenheit for every 1,000 feet of ascent, substantially increasing the likelihood of continuous snowfall.
Navigating Juneau During Peak Snow Season
The substantial and variable snowfall requires specific preparation and operational adjustments for travel throughout the winter months. Snow removal is a major undertaking for the city, with plows and sanders working continuously to keep main highways and residential roads clear. The narrow, winding nature of many roads, coupled with steep grades, makes this a challenging process.
For drivers, the state of Alaska mandates the use of specialized traction equipment. Because Juneau is located south of the 60th parallel, the use of studded tires on paved roads is legally permitted from October 1 through April 15. This period is established to help vehicles maintain necessary grip on frequently icy and snow-packed surfaces.
Travel in and out of the city is also impacted, as Juneau is not connected to the North American road system and is accessible only by air or water. Heavy snowfall and low cloud ceilings can cause delays and cancellations for flights at the Juneau International Airport. Additionally, ferry schedules on the Alaska Marine Highway System can be affected by severe winter weather, requiring travelers to monitor conditions closely and plan for potential disruptions.