3 cities in Alaska
About snow days in Alaska
Arctic and subarctic climate with heavy snowfall October through April. Alaska averages roughly 75 inches of snow per year.
Alaskan schools rarely close for snow alone — extreme wind chill and ice storms are the primary triggers.
How school closure decisions work in Alaska
School districts in Alaska consider multiple factors when deciding whether to close, delay, or hold classes on a snow day. Beyond raw snowfall totals, superintendents evaluate ice accumulation on roads and sidewalks, wind chill temperatures that affect students waiting at bus stops, the timing of the storm relative to morning and afternoon commutes, and whether road crews have had enough time to clear primary bus routes.
Most districts make their announcements between 5 AM and 6 AM on the day of the event, though some issue closures the evening before when a major storm is certain. Public school decisions are typically made at the district level, while private and charter schools often decide independently. Two-hour delays are common when conditions are expected to improve by mid-morning.
Select a city above to check tomorrow's school closure probability using current weather forecast data for that area. For the most accurate prediction, check after 6 PM the evening before a potential snow day, when weather models are most reliable.