The Frustrating Natural Phenomenon Every Alaskan Has To Worry About Each Winter
This is one of those natural phenomena in the Last Frontier that isn’t welcomed with open arms. In fact, it’s actually quite the opposite – we loath it. Its dense nature makes it impossible for us to enjoy the beautiful views on our daily commute. Plus, it’s nearly impossible to navigate through without gripping onto the steering wheel for dear life.
Need to get something done? Forget about it! You’ll have to wait for the ice fog to pass. In Alaska, dealing with gnarly weather patterns is just a way of life and no matter how much we complain, we have no choice but to suck it up and deal with it. I think we can all agree that it’s a small price to pay for living in the best state in the nation.
The natural weather phenomenon known as 'ice fog' is a type of fog that consists of fine ice crystals that essentially get suspended in the air.
This rare natural phenomenon happens most frequently in cold, arctic areas in the world, such as Alaska. Basically, what happens is water droplets get suspended in the air and can remain liquid down to −40 °F.
Ice fog is most common in interior and northern Alaska and it only takes formation under specific conditions; the humidity has to be near 100% and the air temperature below 32 °F.
This specific weather patter allows for the ice crystals to form in thin air. The ice crystals will then settle onto surfaces, making everything in sight sparkle like a glittery winter wonderland when the sun hits it.
Anyone who lives in Alaska knows exactly what we are talking about. Ice fog is a gnarly weather pattern that comes in like a wrecking ball and always puts a total damper in our outdoor plans and our daily commutes.
You'll notice that ice fog is abundantly dense over frozen rivers and lakes throughout the Last Frontier. Places like the Knik River, Chena River and Kenai Lake are known for having very dense ice fog in the winter months.
Oftentimes when you're driving through metropolitan areas you'll be able to mask the powerfulness of ice fog as city lights brighten up your direct line of sight.
In fact, no matter where you are located in the 49th state, if you have a year-round outdoor job in Alaska your productivity will likely be effected by ice fog multiple times throughout the winter months.
If you are an avid outdoors enthusiast, you might even experience ice fog up-close-and-personal high into the mountains when you're out enjoying a winter hike or skiing adventure.
For a more ‘up close and personal’ look at how thick ice fog can get and how challenging it is to drive in, be sure to check out the excellent YouTube video below.
Living and loving life in Alaska, Courtney enjoys living a happy life based on simple principles; work hard, be kind, stay humble. She is an avid dog lover with hobbies that include running, fly fishing, hiking & snowboarding.
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