Snow in Denali

[Sumar76]

Well, I am scheduled to go on a Denali Tour May 17th...and even tho I know this is far off, the weather channel is predicting snow then. Well, 60% chance.

About 60% I'd like on that day.

Would the trip be cancelled? Or would I just have to do the NHT ?

[frugaltravel]

Your "tour" will only go to mile 29 at the most (you can drive that far for free on your own!). The road can close due to snow, even back to mile 3. But usually this time of year the road doesn't close for the entire day. But you never know.

 

Weather predictions for Alaska more than a day or two in advance are pure guesses.

[Sumar76]

Thanks frugal travel.......I am not going to worry about it.

We will see how it is when we get there.

[Trainacomin]

Your "tour" will only go to mile 29 at the most (you can drive that far for free on your own!). The road can close due to snow, even back to mile 3. But usually this time of year the road doesn't close for the entire day. But you never know.

 

Weather predictions for Alaska more than a day or two in advance are pure guesses.

 

 

We are staying at the Princess lodge in Denali. Where can you rent a car that is close?

[frugaltravel]

We are staying at the Princess lodge in Denali. Where can you rent a car that is close?

 

Denali Dome Home is the only car rental place near Denali that I know of.

[PennyAgain]

The weather in Alaska is situational and can change often. Snow in can be quite pleasant. I've done winter camping which is admittedly a special situation.

 

I would carry on with the idea that whatever weather you get will be just fine and enjoy your trip. You can't change the weather, but you can change how you feel about it.

[donaldsc]

I think that snow in Denali would be a great experience.

 

DON

[AKman2495]

OK, I just checked the forecast no they are talking about rain/snow. It is supposed to be 33/49 on that day so any snow would fall overnight and in the morning. By the afternoon it will be gone. Also, they are talking about showers So, it should not be a big problem.

[Sumar76]

Thanks for the forecast AKman. I actually think snow would be beautiful, just was worried if the tour was going to go or be cancelled.

[frugaltravel]

I still hold to my statement that any forecasts this far out are pretty much pure guesses in Alaska, and even moreso in Denali NP. One website is saying 29 low and 56 high for May 17, which is quite a bit different than AKman stated.

 

I like Penny's attitude - you are going to be there, who cares what the weather will be. My attitude toward it can change, but I can't change the weather. So go with the flow.

[bearbait]

It's still 7 days away. It was 60 degrees here in Anchorage today. Even if it does snow in Denali next weekend it's not gonna be enough to close the road. Your tour will go on and life will be good. Don't worry about it.

[Sumar76]

Thanks everyone.. I'm planning on going with the flow.

I much prefer cooler weather cruises!

[laughing husky]

They had quite of bit of snow yesterday throughout the region.:(

[AKman2495]

They had quite of bit of snow yesterday throughout the region.:(

 

Yeah, they say we're going to get some more snow Friday night! :eek:

[Glaciers]

This site gives updates for weather and road conditions in the park.

http://www.nps.gov/dena/spring-road-opening.htm

[frugaltravel]

This site gives updates for weather and road conditions in the park.

http://www.nps.gov/dena/spring-road-opening.htm

 

Unfortunately this year they are not keeping that updated as often. The report is already more than a week old.

[PennyAgain]

I still hold to my statement that any forecasts this far out are pretty much pure guesses in Alaska, and even moreso in Denali NP. One website is saying 29 low and 56 high for May 17, which is quite a bit different than AKman stated.

 

I like Penny's attitude - you are going to be there, who cares what the weather will be. My attitude toward it can change, but I can't change the weather. So go with the flow.

 

I prefer the snow in actual fact because if means that the bug situation won't be so active.

 

Well that is until the folks at Denali NP posted a photo on FB showing a mosquito on snow! Perhaps they have ice skates or boots on their little feet.

[mamkmm2]

I prefer the snow in actual fact because if means that the bug situation won't be so active.

 

Well that is until the folks at Denali NP posted a photo on FB showing a mosquito on snow! Perhaps they have ice skates or boots on their little feet.

 

If southern skeeters can put up with hurricane force winds then I'm sure their northern cousins are probably up for playing in the snow. LOL! Good thing I packed the repellent regardless of people promising me the bugs aren't bad this time of year. ROFL!

[iricht]

I just got back from Denali after stopping there on a drive from Fairbanks (live in Anchorage) and the Park road is plowed and driveable but there is still quite a bit of snow, more than I have ever seen at this time of year. It was quite the topic of conversation among the workers. The rivers are still frozen so quite a few tours will be canceled. They don't think they'll be doing any rafting or ATV trips until mid June. When I was there it snowed in the evening.

[AKman2495]

Here is the latest report from the Anchorage Daily News on the park:

 

http://www.adn.com/2013/05/14/2901893/denali-national-park-set-to-open.html

 

The forecast for Anchorage is for 2-4 inches of snow Friday into Saturday....FYI.

[ace1zoe2]

The rivers are still frozen so quite a few tours will be canceled. They don't think they'll be doing any rafting or ATV trips until mid June. When I was there it snowed in the evening.

 

 

We were hoping to do the Canyon Run white water rafting while there on 6/3. Guess now we'll be doing the Homestead Huskies

 

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