|
Alaska
Weather Information
The
weather in the McCarthy area and Wrangell-St. Elias National
Park is like that of most of interior Alaska. Throughout the
year,
the
weather
can
change
quickly,
so it is
wise to pack
for any season with clothing that can be layered, ready to peel
off or add as conditions dictate.
The
prime backpacking season in the Wrangells is late June to early
September due to snow depths at higher elevations. Some years the
snow melts early and arrives late, extending the backcountry season.
Consider a trip at lower elevations or be prepared for slogging
through snow in the shoulder season.
Hunting
season, primarily in the preserve, is from August 10 to September
20. You will want to avoid travel in sheep hunting country during
this time. The main mountaineering season is mid-March through
early June.
Spring
In the spring, clear skies, increasingly longer days and warming
temperatures break winter's hold on the land with dramatic quickness.
Summer
Summers
are cloudy and cool, but clear, hot days are not uncommon in July,
the warmest month. Wildflowers and mosquitoes
peak in June and July. Consider bringing a headnet. June and
July are also the warmest months, but it can snow any month of
the year
in the high country. August tends to be cool and wet,
but with fewer mosquitoes. Drizzling rains are common later in
the summer and in general, rainfall increases in August and September,
especially
along the coast.
Fall
Fall
can be delightfully clear in McCarthy and Wrangell-St. Elias Park,
but the season is short and unpredictable. September tends to be
cool
and
wet, but
with fewer
mosquitoes.
Winter
Winters
are cold, with temperatures dropping to 50 below zero. Average snow
cover in winter is two feet. |
