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Current Alaska Drought Maps

Drought & Dryness Categories
Value Map Hex Color % of AK Description
D0 – Abnormally Dry #ffff00 0.0 Abnormally Dry Abnormally Dry (D0) indicates a region that is going into or coming out of drought. View typical impacts by state, or learn how Alaska contributes to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
D1 – Moderate Drought #fcd37f 0.0 Moderate Drought Moderate Drought (D1) is the first of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state, or learn how Alaska contributes to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
D2 – Severe Drought #ffaa00 0.0 Severe Drought Severe Drought (D2) is the second of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state, or learn how Alaska contributes to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
D3 – Extreme Drought #e60000 0.0 Extreme Drought Extreme Drought (D3) is the third of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state, or learn how Alaska contributes to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
D4 – Exceptional Drought #730000 0.0 Exceptional Drought Exceptional Drought (D4) is the most intense drought category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state, or learn how Alaska contributes to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Total Area in Drought (D1–D4) dmtotal 0.0 Total Area in Drought (D1–D4) The percent area of Alaska that is currently in drought (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Learn how Alaska contributes to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Drought Change Since Last Week
Value Map Hex Color Description
-3 #ff9900 3-Category Degradation Drought/dryness has worsened by 3 categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
-2 #ffd438 2-Category Degradation Drought/dryness has worsened by 2 categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
-1 #ffff73 1-Category Degradation Drought/dryness has worsened by 1 category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
0 #cccccc No Change There has been no change in drought conditions at this location.
+1 #cdffd4 1-Category Improvement Drought/dryness has improved by 1 category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
+2 #8ad48c 2-Category Improvement Drought/dryness has improved by 2 categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
+3 #52956a 3-Category Improvement Drought/dryness has improved by 3 categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Drought in Alaska

Alaska is a land of extremes. As the largest state in the United States, it spans a vast geographical area that includes many different climates. For example, Southeast Alaska has a mild, maritime climate with mean annual temperatures over 40 °F, with some areas at sea level receiving over 200 inches of precipitation per year. In contrast, the North Slope has an Arctic climate with a mean annual temperature lower than 15 °F, where some areas receive less than 6 inches of precipitation annually—but snow covers the ground 6 to 8 months a year. 

Because of the great variations in climate and water resources, there are many facets of drought in Alaska. Impacts to hydropower and fisheries are a major concern in Southeast Alaska, while in mainland Alaska dry weather (even over a few weeks) can be a major contributor to wildfire (especially in the spring and summer), threaten community water supplies, and create problems for fish and other wildlife. Snow drought, coupled with warming temperatures, can disrupt transportation in frozen interior regions during the winter.  With temperatures in Alaska rising and the snow season becoming shorter, drought in the future may become a more significant problem than in the past, even if total precipitation increases. Extreme events, including flooding and drought, are expected to occur with higher frequency and intensity, including extreme wet and dry events. 

NIDIS supports eight regional Drought Early Warning Systems (DEWS) throughout the United States. In addition, NIDIS supports states outside these regions, like Alaska, by delivering drought early warning information through Drought.gov; investing in drought research to address key scientific and societal needs; and supporting the development of new tools and products that serve the entire nation. 

Alaska State Drought Resources

State Drought Agency: 

Alaska Department of Natural Resources

State Hazard Mitigation Plan: 

State of Alaska Hazard Mitigation Plan (2018)

State Climate Office: 

Alaska Climate Research Center

Alaska Current Conditions

A number of physical indicators are important for monitoring drought, such as precipitation, temperature and water supply (e.g., streamflow, snowpack). Learn more about monitoring drought.

Alaska Streamflow Conditions

Streamflow Conditions
Value Map Hex Color Description
Low #ff0000 Record Low Estimated streamflow is the lowest value recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Much Below #b12121 Much Below Normal ( Estimated streamflow is in the 0–10th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Below #ffa400 Below Normal (10th–25th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 10th–25th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Normal #00ff00 Normal (25th–75th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 25th–75th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Value Map Hex Color Description
Above #40dfd0 Above Normal (75th–90th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 75th–90th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Much Above #0000ff Much Above Normal (>90th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 90th–100th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
High #000000 Record High Estimated streamflow is the highest value ever measured at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Not Ranked #ffffff Not Ranked A flow category has not been computed for this gauge, for example due to insufficient historical data or no current streamflow estimates.
Streamflow Conditions
Value Map Hex Color Description
Low #ff0000 Record Low Estimated streamflow is the lowest value recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Much Below #b12121 Much Below Normal ( Estimated streamflow is in the 0–10th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Below #ffa400 Below Normal (10th–25th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 10th–25th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Normal #00ff00 Normal (25th–75th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 25th–75th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Value Map Hex Color Description
Above #40dfd0 Above Normal (75th–90th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 75th–90th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Much Above #0000ff Much Above Normal (>90th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 90th–100th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
High #000000 Record High Estimated streamflow is the highest value ever measured at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Not Ranked #ffffff Not Ranked A flow category has not been computed for this gauge, for example due to insufficient historical data or no current streamflow estimates.
Streamflow Conditions
Value Map Hex Color Description
Low #ff0000 Record Low Estimated streamflow is the lowest value recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Much Below #b12121 Much Below Normal ( Estimated streamflow is in the 0–10th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Below #ffa400 Below Normal (10th–25th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 10th–25th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Normal #00ff00 Normal (25th–75th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 25th–75th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Value Map Hex Color Description
Above #40dfd0 Above Normal (75th–90th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 75th–90th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Much Above #0000ff Much Above Normal (>90th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 90th–100th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
High #000000 Record High Estimated streamflow is the highest value ever measured at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Not Ranked #ffffff Not Ranked A flow category has not been computed for this gauge, for example due to insufficient historical data or no current streamflow estimates.

Alaska River Stage Forecasts

Maximum Forecast Flood Category
Value Map Hex Color
Major Flooding #cc33ff
Moderate Flooding #ff0000
Minor Flooding #ff9900
Near Flood Stage #ffff00
No Flooding #01ff00
Flood Category Not Defined #72afe9
At or Below Low Water Threshold #906320
Forecasts Are Not Current #bdc2bb
No Forecast Within This Timeframe #8c8c8c
Out of Service #666666

Outlooks & Forecasts for Alaska

Predicting drought in Alaska depends on the ability to forecast precipitation and temperature within the context of complex climate interactions. View more outlooks & forecasts.

Future Precipitation & Temperature Conditions

Probability of Below-Normal Precipitation
Range Map Hex Color Description
33% - 40% #f0d493 33%–40% Chance of Below Normal There is an 33%–40% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period. 
40% - 50% #d8a750 40%–50% Chance of Below Normal There is an 40%–50% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period. 
50% - 60% #bb6d33 50%–60% Chance of Below Normal There is an 50%–60% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period. 
60% - 70% #9b5031 60%–70% Chance of Below Normal There is an 60%–70% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period. 
70% - 80% #934639 70%–80% Chance of Below Normal There is an 70%–80% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period. 
80% - 90% #804000 80%–90% Chance of Below Normal There is an 80%–90% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period. 
90% - 100% #4f2f2f >90% Chance of Below Normal There is a >90% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period. 
Probability of Above-Normal Precipitation
Range Map Hex Color Description
33% - 40% #b3d9ab 33%–40% Chance of Above Normal There is an 33%–40% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period. 
40% - 50% #94cd7e 40%–50% Chance of Above Normal There is an 40%–50% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period. 
50% - 60% #48ae38 50%–60% Chance of Above Normal There is an 50%–60% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period. 
60% - 70% #3a7b5f 60%–70% Chance of Above Normal There is an 60%–70% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period. 
70% - 80% #008e40 70%–80% Chance of Above Normal There is an 70%–80% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period. 
80% - 90% #28553d 80%–90% Chance of Above Normal There is an 80%–90% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period. 
90% - 100% #285517 >90% Chance of Above Normal There is a >90% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period. 
Value Map Hex Color Description
Near-Normal Conditions #a2a2a2 Near-Normal Odds favor near-normal precipitation during this period.
Probability of Below-Normal Temperatures
Range Map Hex Color Description
33% - 40% #a0c0df 33%–40% Chance of Below Normal There is an 33%–40% chance of below-normal temperatures during this period. 
40% - 50% #77b5e2 40%–50% Chance of Below Normal There is an 40%–50% chance of below-normal temperatures during this period. 
50% - 60% #389fdb 50%–60% Chance of Below Normal There is an 50%–60% chance of below-normal temperatures during this period. 
60% - 70% #005ca1 60%–70% Chance of Below Normal There is an 60%–70% chance of below-normal temperatures during this period. 
70% - 80% #2f406f 70%–80% Chance of Below Normal There is an 70%–80% chance of below-normal temperatures during this period. 
80% - 90% #221852 80%–90% Chance of Below Normal There is an 80%–90% chance of below-normal temperatures during this period. 
90% - 100% #1c1342 >90% Chance of Below Normal There is a >90% chance of below-normal temperatures during this period. 
Probability of Above-Normal Temperatures
Range Map Hex Color Description
33% - 40% #e7b168 33%–40% Chance of Above Normal There is an 33%–40% chance of above-normal temperatures during this period. 
40% - 50% #e38b4a 40%–50% Chance of Above Normal There is an 40%–50% chance of above-normal temperatures during this period. 
50% - 60% #dc562f 50%–60% Chance of Above Normal There is an 50%–60% chance of above-normal temperatures during this period. 
60% - 70% #c72e28 60%–70% Chance of Above Normal There is an 60%–70% chance of above-normal temperatures during this period. 
70% - 80% #cc3047 70%–80% Chance of Above Normal There is an 70%–80% chance of above-normal temperatures during this period. 
80% - 90% #8a2f38 80%–90% Chance of Above Normal There is an 80%–90% chance of above-normal temperatures during this period. 
90% - 100% #622228 >90% Chance of Above Normal There is a >90% chance of above-normal temperatures during this period. 
Value Map Hex Color Description
Near-Normal Conditions #a2a2a2 Near-Normal Odds favor near-normal temperatures during this period.

Drought Outlooks for Alaska

Drought Is Predicted To...
Value Map Hex Color Description
Persist #9b634a Drought Persists During this time period, drought is forecast to persist.
Improve #ded2bc Drought Improves During this time period, drought is forecast to improve.
End #b2ad69 Drought Is Removed During this time period, drought removal is forecast.
Develop #ffde63 Drought Develops During this time period, drought development is forecast.
N/A #ffffff No Drought Present
Drought Is Predicted To...
Value Map Hex Color Description
Persist #9b634a Drought Persists During this time period, drought is forecast to persist.
Improve #ded2bc Drought Improves During this time period, drought is forecast to improve.
End #b2ad69 Drought Is Removed During this time period, drought removal is forecast.
Develop #ffde63 Drought Develops During this time period, drought development is forecast.
N/A #ffffff No Drought Present

Historical Drought Conditions in Alaska

Drought is a normal climate pattern that has occurred in varying degrees of length, severity, and size throughout history. Below, you can look back at past drought conditions for Alaska according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The U.S. Drought Monitor is a weekly map that shows the location and intensity of drought across the country since 2000. View more historical conditions.

U.S. Drought Monitor
Value Map Hex Color Description
D0 #ffff00 D0 - Abnormally Dry Abnormally Dry (D0) indicates a region that is going into or coming out of drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D1 #fcd37f D1 – Moderate Drought Moderate Drought (D1) is the first of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D2 #fa0 D2 – Severe Drought Severe Drought (D2) is the second of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D3 #e60000 D3 – Extreme Drought Extreme Drought (D3) is the third of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D4 #730000 D4 – Exceptional Drought Exceptional Drought (D4) is the most intense drought category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.

The U.S. Drought Monitor (2000–present) depicts the location and intensity of drought across the country. Every Thursday, authors from NOAA, USDA, and the National Drought Mitigation Center produce a new map based on their assessments of the best available data and input from local observers. The map uses five categories: Abnormally Dry (D0), showing areas that may be going into or are coming out of drought, and four levels of drought (D1–D4). Learn more.

Drought Resources for Alaska

Stay Informed: Local Drought Updates

Drought Alert Emails
Get email updates when U.S. Drought Monitor conditions change for your location or a new drought outlook is released.

Regional Drought Status Updates
NIDIS & its partners issue regional updates covering drought conditions, outlooks/forecasts, and local impacts.

Dry Times Bi-Weekly Drought Newsletter
Issued every other Thursday, Dry Times is an email newsletter with the latest drought news, events, and data & maps.

Get Involved: Submit Local Drought Impacts

Drought in your area? Tell us how drought is impacting your community by submitting a condition monitoring report. Your submissions help us better understand how drought is affecting local conditions.