Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve covers about 2,500,000 acres of east central Alaska. It is flanked to the north and northwest by the Brooks Range and to the southwest by the Alaska Range. The climate of the interior area between these two mountain ranges is generally classified as sub-arctic, with exceptionally cold winters, relatively warm summers, low annual precipitation, and generally high winds.
The elevation range of the preserve (600 to over 6,400 feet) produces local variations in weather and climate. Above timberline, about 3,000 to 3,500 feet, the climate is generally classified as arctic with cooler summers, warmer winters (due to prevailing cold air inversions), heavier precipitation, and increased winds.
Spring
The month of March, with its 12-hour-long days, abundant sunshine, and sparse precipitation, is thought by many local residents to be the finest month of the year. April brings thawing and mud. Breakup of the Yukon River ice usually occurs in early May.
Summer
This area is among the warmest sections of Alaska in the summer. In fact, July's average temperatures are about the same as Wyoming's Jackson Hole area. Although daily highs average in the 60's to low 70's, a high of 95 has been recorded. Thundershower activity is common and, in some years, causes considerable forest fire activity. Although daily lows average in the 40's, subfreezing temperatures can occur in any month, especially at higher elevations. The period of continuous daylight or twilight ends in late July. By the end of August, nights will have six or seven hours of darkness.
Fall
The transition from summer to winter is rapid. Peak fall colors occur in the high country in late August and by mid-September most aspens and birches have turned golden. Ice begins flowing in the Yukon River in October, with freeze-up usually by mid-November.
Winter
Lasting from October to March, winter is probably the dominant season. Temperatures of -50 or lower are normal during cold spells. Fortunately, winter winds tend to be light. However, when high pressure centers occur, winds may be from 15 to 40 miles per hour for days at a time. Interior Alaska is not noted for heavy snowfall. Snow depths over two feet are uncommon except at higher elevations. The short days of late December will have only about six hours of daylight or twilight.
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