NOAA normal Anchorage averages about 77.9 inches of snow a season (1991–2020)Deep cold Anchorage averages about 18 nights a year at or below 0°FAnchorage rule Occupants must clear snow and remove or treat ice on adjacent public sidewalksSupply More than 90% of freight coming into Alaska arrives by ship or bargeEst. treated salt Pre-treated bulk salt usually runs $20–$50 a ton over plain rock saltEst. salt brine Salt brine by the gallon: roughly $0.20–$0.40, before deliveryEst. bagged rock salt Pallet of 49 × 50 lb rock salt bags: roughly $240–$330Est. ice melt pallet Pallet of 49 × 50 lb blended ice melt: roughly $430–$600Rule of thumb Plain rock salt slows way down below about 15°F pavement temperatureFall pre-buy Lock in tons and pickup or delivery before the first storm, not during itNOAA normal Anchorage averages about 77.9 inches of snow a season (1991–2020)Deep cold Anchorage averages about 18 nights a year at or below 0°FAnchorage rule Occupants must clear snow and remove or treat ice on adjacent public sidewalksSupply More than 90% of freight coming into Alaska arrives by ship or bargeEst. treated salt Pre-treated bulk salt usually runs $20–$50 a ton over plain rock saltEst. salt brine Salt brine by the gallon: roughly $0.20–$0.40, before deliveryEst. bagged rock salt Pallet of 49 × 50 lb rock salt bags: roughly $240–$330Est. ice melt pallet Pallet of 49 × 50 lb blended ice melt: roughly $430–$600Rule of thumb Plain rock salt slows way down below about 15°F pavement temperatureFall pre-buy Lock in tons and pickup or delivery before the first storm, not during it

Price figures are estimates from public bids and published price lists, not quotes. Where these numbers come from

Home › Snow & Ice Guide › How a Southcentral Alaska winter unfolds

How a Southcentral Alaska winter unfolds

Anchorage snowfall, freeze-thaw counts, deep cold, short days and the season month by month.

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An Anchorage winter means heavy snow in some years, long dark stretches and cold snaps, with melt-and-refreeze at both ends of the season. Here's how a typical season tends to go. Any given year can differ.

Snowfall and freeze-thaw

PlaceAverage seasonal snowfallFreeze-thaw days a year
Anchorage (ANC airport)77.9 in73.7

Snowfall: NOAA NCEI 1991–2020 normals.1 Freeze-thaw days: our count of days with a high above 32°F and a low below 32°F in NOAA GHCN-Daily records, 1991–2020 average.2

The season, month by month

September to October: stock up

Freight comes north by sea. Line up sand, salt and liquids before freeze-up. Anchorage studs wait until October 1.

November to December: dark and snowy

Days shorten to about five and a half hours near the solstice. Brine ahead while pavement is about 15°F or warmer.

January to February: cold snaps

Subzero mornings. Sand for traction, calcium or magnesium for spot melting.

March to April: freeze-thaw

Melt by day and refreeze at night. Sweep spring sand grit and watch drainage around piles.

Next in the guideStorm-readiness checklist →

Sources

  1. NOAA NCEI 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals
  2. NOAA NCEI Global Historical Climatology Network-Daily (GHCN-Daily), station daily max/min temperatures 1991–2020

Figures are quoted from the sources above. Conditions on your sites vary; follow product labels and your own calibration.

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Talk to people who've run plows at 3 a.m. We know what it's like when the shed is empty, the radar is lit up and your clients expect dry walks by 7. Tell us what you need, and you'll get a straight answer and a written quote, not a sales pitch.

  • Fast delivery. Bulk dropped at your site, sized to your season, so you don't need a salt barn.
  • Storm-night loading. Extended loading hours when a big event hits.
  • Storm-priority list. Get in line for resupply before the storm, not during it.
  • See it first. Ask for a yard visit and see the treated salt in person.
  • Fall pre-buy and seasonal contracts. Lock in tons before the first flake.

Quotes are answered by a wholesale supplier serving Anchorage, Eagle River, the Mat-Su Valley and the Kenai Peninsula. Final prices, minimums and delivery area are on your written quote.

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