Annual Climate Summary for 2006 – 2007, Kenai Fjords National Park

Lindsay, Chuck

This report briefly discusses the climatic setting of Kenai Fjords National Park and summarizes weather observations for 2006-2007 from three weather and climate monitoring stations that document a range of climatic environments in or near Kenai Fjords National Park (Harding Icefield, Nuka Glacier, and Seward Airport). Kenai Fjords National Park is characterized by a strongly maritime climate. Seasonal changes in the local climate are primarily driven by changes in sun angle incidence, length of day, and the position of the Aleutian Low storm track. Large-scale oscillations in the ocean-atmosphere system (e.g. El Niño Southern Oscillation and Pacific Decadal Oscillation) also influence the local climate although their effects are not yet well understood. Global temperatures for 2007 were significantly warmer-than-average (global land surface temperatures were the warmest on record and global ocean temperatures were the 9th warmest on record). Alaska experienced the 15th warmest year on record and witnessed the smallest extent of Arctic sea ice since the late 1970s. A weak El Niño event developed between September, 2006 and January, 2007. La Niña conditions developed in September, 2007. A positive (warm) phase Pacific Decadal Oscillation has been in place for much of the last three decades although there is evidence to suggest that a shift to a negative (cool) phase is underway. During the 2007 water year (October 2006 to September 2007), the following observations were documented at weather and climate monitoring stations located in or near Kenai Fjords National Park. Average annual temperatures ranged from 24.3 °F on the Harding Icefield to 38.2 °F at Seward. Total annual precipitation ranged from 50.8 inches at Seward to 83.9 inches at Nuka Glacier. A maximum sustained wind gust of 105.1 mph was documented on the Harding Icefield. A significant weather event during this timeframe was the “Columbus Day Storm of 2006” when a strong low-pressure system fueled by an intense jet stream affected the greater area encompassing Kenai Fjords National Park with record-breaking rainfall and high winds.

Annual Climate Summary for 2006 – 2007, Kenai Fjords National Park

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