StoryMap: Precipitation extremes in Southeast Alaska

In the Southeast Alaska rainforest and mountains, an extreme drought extended from October 2016 until December 2019. Following this historic drought, the region faced recording setting rainfall, which triggered landslides and flooding.

The Precipitation extremes in Southeast Alaska StoryMap presents visualizations of new precipitation models for Southeast Alaska, offering insights into potential future climate scenarios and enhancing our understanding of the region’s extreme weather events. ACCAP’s Zav Grabinski created the StoryMap with modeled data by Rick Lader.

Precipitation is a critical element in Southeast Alaska, playing a vital role in shaping the region’s ecological diversity and supporting its economy. The abundant rainfall nourishes the Tongass National Forest, one of the world’s largest temperate rainforests, and helps maintain the health of aquatic habitats that are essential for the fishing industry. Water resources like rivers and lakes, replenished by consistent rainfall, not only serve as crucial spawning grounds for salmon but also fuel the hydropower generators that provide much of the region’s electricity.