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Lake Clark National Park & PreserveDena'ina Athabascan hunters in their kayak in 1921. Photo courtesy Robert W. Vreeland
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Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Weather
 
A threatening sky over the lower Telaquana Trail.
A pleasant day turns threatening on the ridge
above Telaquana Lake.
 

Current Anchorage Weather
Current Homer Weather
Current Kenai Weather

Current Port Alsworth Weather

Port Alsworth Weather Quick Facts
Average Summer Temperatures: 50° to 65° F

Average July Low: 54° F
Average July High: 68° F
Average January Low: 1° F
Average January High: 22° F

Record Low: -55° F
Record High: 86° F

Mean Annual Temperature: 33.1° F

Average Annual Precipitation 17-26 inches

Weather in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve

Collision of marine air masses from the Bering Sea and the Gulf of Alaska with continental air masses from Alaska’s interior gives the Lake Clark/Iliamna Lake area extremely variable weather patterns. Alaska Geographic Volume 13, Number 4.

Lake Clark National Park and Preserve has two distinct climate areas: the damp coast and the drier interior. The coast is often foggy and wet, with an average annual rainfall of 40 to 80 inches. The interior averages only 17 to 26 inches. The same weather systems that bring precipitation to the coast also bring milder winters; the interior often suffers temperatures as low as -40 degrees F.

Visitors to Lake Clark National Park and Preserve might bask in warm, gentle sunshine, be pummeled by fierce storms, or get soaked by rain. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and the mountainous terrain channels fierce winds. Gusts in the 30-50 mph range are not uncommon.

Frost and snow can occur any time, but are most common from September to early June. Lake Clark typically begins freezing in November and melts in April. Ice conditions dictate whether planes on floats or skis can land.

In general, visitors should be prepared to experience a number of different weather conditions during their stay in Lake Clark. Sturdy raingear and waterproof footwear are a must, and smart travelers make sure to layer clothing.

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A dog team in winter. Photo courtesy of Guy Groat.  

Did You Know?
As recently as the 1960s, dog team travel was still the best way to get around Lake Clark country in the winter. Snowmobiles are more common now, but many people still keep sled dogs.

Last Updated: August 18, 2006 at 20:13 EST