MARCH SNOW SURVEY REPORT RELEASED

Record Highs and Lows Set for State

Palmer, March 14, 2007 - The March Snow Survey Report released this week by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) reveals extreme variations in snowpack levels across Alaska. Five survey sites in Southeast Alaska set new record highs for snow depth and water content, while sites in the Copper, Upper Susitna and Koyukuk basins are all recording record lows.

Alaska received very little (if any) precipitation during the month of February. The only areas of the state to receive precipitation of more than .2 inches in February were Bethel and areas along the Gulf of Alaska coast continuing into Southeast.

The temperatures varied from above normal (+9° F) at Bethel and Bettles to below normal along the coast and in Southeast at Juneau (-3° F).  McGrath, Anchorage and Homer were at average for the month.  For most of the state, the first ten days were above normal, especially the first two days, and the last ten days were colder than normal.

The complete March Snow Survey Report with detailed information from all areas of the state can be viewed at www.ambcs.org. Visitors to the site can also find hourly updates on air temperature, precipitation, snow depth and wind speed and other climactic conditions.

Snow Survey data is used to forecast river flow volume, breakup flooding potential, avalanche danger, summer forest fire probability, and fresh water availability for municipalities and power generation.  Snow survey information also contributes to an index on the winter severity with respect to wildlife and reindeer calf survival.

Note to reporters: NRCS publishes Snow Survey Reports Feb – May each year. Your contact for this story is Rick McClure, leader of the NRCS Snow Survey program, at 907-271-2424 ext. 113.

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