Weather Alert in Alaska

Recent Locations: Waupaca, WI Gilbert, SC Kaktovik, AK

Hydrologic Outlook issued August 26 at 1:47PM AKDT by NWS Anchorage AK

AREAS AFFECTED: Anchorage; Anchorage Hillside / Eagle River; East Turnagain Arm; Portage; Lower Matanuska Valley; Hatcher Pass; Sutton / Upper Matanuska Valley; Eureka / Tahneta Pass; Southern Kachemak Bay; SW Kenai Peninsula; NW Kenai Peninsula; Skilak Lake; Southern Kenai Mtns; Interior Kenai Peninsula; Turnagain Pass; West Prince William Sound & Whittier; Tyonek; Valdez; Thompson Pass; Cordova; Western Susitna Valley; Southern Susitna Valley; Central Susitna Valley; Northern Susitna Valley

DESCRIPTION: ESFAFC Rainfall: * Eastern Kenai Peninsula and Prince William Sound: 2 to 4 inches with locally higher amounts in higher terrain. * Mat-Su Valley: 1 to 3 inches with locally higher amounts. The highest rainfall totals are likely to be across the northern Susitna Valley. * Western Kenai Peninsula and Anchorage: 1 to 2 inches of rainfall with the heaviest rainfall occuring adjacent to Cook Inlet. Downsloping at times may result in localized lower amounts immediately west of the mountains. Hydrologic Concerns * Expect sharp rises on many small streams and rivers. Many smaller streams will crest Thursday night into Friday while larger rivers or downstream points may crest Friday and Saturday. Higher than normal water levels may continue through Labor Day Weekend into next week. * Many lower locations along rivers such as gravel bars and other spots popular for camping and recreating are likely to become inundated with water. * Heavy rain may result in localized ponding in low-lying areas and locations with poor drainage. Confidence and Next Steps * Confidence is high that a multi-day heavy rainfall event will occur across Southcentral Alaska, with the northern Susitna Valley and Prince William Sound receiving the heaviest rainfall. Confidence is medium regarding rainfall totals and placement of heaviest rainfall. If forecast rainfall totals hold or increase, flood watches may be needed for portions of the Kenai Peninsula, Mat-Su Valley, or elsewhere. * Residents along area streams as well as river users and recreationists should anticipate higher than normal water levels and are advised to monitor weather and river forecasts. * Reports on river conditions may be sent to the river forecast center by calling 1-800-847-1739.

INSTRUCTION: N/A

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Weather Topic: What are Cirrostratus Clouds?

Home - Education - Cloud Types - Cirrostratus Clouds

Next Topic: Cirrus Clouds

Cirrostratus clouds are high, thin clouds that form above 20,000 feet and are made mostly of ice crystals. They sometimes look like giant feathers, horse tails, or curls of hair in the sky. These clouds are pushed by the jet stream and can move at high speeds reaching 100 mph.

What do they indicate?
They indicate that a precipitation is likely within 24 hours.

Next Topic: Cirrus Clouds

Weather Topic: What is Condensation?

Home - Education - Precipitation - Condensation

Next Topic: Contrails

Condensation is the process which creates clouds, and therefore it is a crucial process in the water cycle. Condensation is the change of matter from a state of gas into a state of liquid, and it happens because water molecules release heat into the atmosphere and become organized into a more closely packed structure, what we might see as water droplets.

Water is always present in the air around us as a vapor, but it's too small for us to see. When water undergoes the process of condensation it becomes organized into visible water droplets. You've probably seen condensation happen before on the surface of a cold drink!

Next Topic: Contrails