The same clear skies are ok, without wind

It may be the same view outside, and I am glad. With the news of high winds in the Mat-Su Valley and unfortunate fires, I am glad to realize Glacier Valley has not suffered the occurrence of wind it could have for such extreme weather. Above is looking across Glacier Valley from the Daylodge at the base of Max’s Mountain. 

Driving into Anchorage this week and last, I have noticed an inversion. That has been confirmed by the temperature readings at the top of Mount Alyeska and nearby mountains reading in the 30’s when down at sea level it is reading 7°. It is also evidenced by my recent photos of the frost covered trees at sea level and in the same photo seeing foliage in the mid and top of the mountain bare. At 11 days now of frost, and it is still the same. 

About those winds, with such cold air down low, I am surprised it did not “fall” into the valley on a downslope wind when all the warm air drafted up. Perhaps it happened so slow. The valley must be experiencing gap winds, cold air drifting down from the arctic or the interior and being squeezed through the Talkeetna and the Chugach Mountains. Here is a great article detailing gap winds as they are not a phenomenon common elsewhere. This article was written with particular interest for pilots. 

This is the view turning around 360° from the above photo, looking up to the headwall with Max’s just off the right side. Look at all that frost and snow still on the trees! (ok, some of it is man-made from the ski business).