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Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park line of modern hikers on snowy slope of Chilkoot Trail Photo credit: J Eve Griffin
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Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Weather
 

For more information on current weather conditions please click on the links below.


Skagway Weather Forcast: National Weather Service
Skagway Weather Cam: Federal Aviaiton AdministrationL

Local Weather Stations: 
Sheep Camp (Elevation of 920 ft.) 
Chilkoot Summit (Elevation 4200 Ft.) 
Klondike Highway (3292 Ft.)
Moore Creek SNOTEL Site


 

Skagway, Alaska has an unique climate. It is sandwiched between the wet, temperate rainforest and the dry Yukon Interior.  Tucked away at the northern end of the Lynn Canal Skagway is considerably drier than its Southeast Alaska neighbors with only 26.1 inches of precipitation. In comparison, most communities in the region get 50+ inches of precipitation annually. Summer high temperatures in Skagway, AK are in the 50s and 60s.  Winter temperatures are in the 20s and 30s. 

While others areas in the southeast are known for their damp climate Skagway is famous for its winds.  In fact, the word Skagway derives from the Tlingit word which means, "Where the water bunches up." This is referring to the white caps that are frequently seen in the Northern Lynn Canal.  The same transportation corridors that the stampeders traveled along also carry strong winds through the valleys of Skagway and Dyea. The low lying passes, such as the Chilkoot trail and the White Pass, which became historic routes to the Klondike gold fields, are unique breaks in the coastal mountain range.   While these gaps allowed for the people to move between the coast and the interior, they are also the only path for the howling winds to move over the mountains.  Windy days with sustained winds of 15-20 mph are common, and gusts of 40 mph are not infrequent. 

It is important to note that Klondike Gold Rush NHP has 3 unit. Each  units include diverse areas with varying elevation and climates.  For example the weather at Sheep Camp on the Chilkoot trail is often dramatically different from the weather experienced at sea level in Dyea or Skagway.  Please be aware of this during trip planning.

 

 

 

 
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sunset over Skagway 
Current Weather in Skagway
link to the NOAA website
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Taiya River with calm waters snaking through misty fog with blue mountain backdrop

Did You Know?
The Chilkoot Trail in Klondike Gold Rush NHP takes the hiker from sea level to alpine tundra in just 16 miles. As you hike you will ascend from northern coastal forest to boreal forest to alpine tundra. Watch for seals, then bears, then the pika, a member of the rabbit family.

Last Updated: November 16, 2011 at 13:09 MST