Shift in Overall Weather Pattern Over Past Two Decades

Observation by Matt Green:

The overall weather pattern in Eagle River, this encompasses annual rain/snow fall, average seasonal temperatures, etc. The change in the weather pattern in the last two decades is significant because it shows the gradual signs of climate degradation. I have lived in Eagle River my whole life, I am accustomed to the seasonal shifts here. Since childhood I have developed a mental data-base of seasonal patterns. This shift is unique because we have experienced odd seasonal occurrences. For example, the first snowfall of this year happened so early that the leaves on the trees had not fallen yet. The weight of the snow on top of the trees that had not shed their leaves caused the trees to incur damage. This is one instance of the temperature and snowfall shift. As a child, it would not have been feasible for the leaves to still be green, while there is snow on the ground. Now the snow has melted for the most part as of early October. We are increasingly experiencing snowfall that quickly melts, indicating a shift in overall weather pattern.

Comment from LEO Editors: There was early snow this year, in fact 4" was the amount on September 21st in Eagle River. This set an unofficial record for the area as reported in Alaska Public Media new article (see attached). Ida Norton