Alaska Weather Observation Network

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Frequently anticipated questions:


What does this data set describe?

Title: Alaska Weather Observation Network
Abstract:
Alaska Weather Observation Network, Digital Data Series 25, provides access to current and archived observations of hydrometeorological variables collected at weather stations in DGGS's network in Alaska. These stations, often situated in high-elevation and remote regions, provide critical data in areas that are otherwise under-observed. The network is designed to capture long-term, continuous measurements of atmospheric and environmental conditions, with each station transmitting data at intervals specific to its configuration. Timestamped in Alaska Standard Time (UTC-9) or Alaska Daylight Time (UTC-8), the current conditions reflect the most recent transmission, while archived datasets offer a historical record of environmental variability. The data collected are instrumental in supporting a wide range of scientific and operational applications, including geologic hazard assessment, environmental monitoring, extreme weather analysis, and climate modeling. By targeting data-scarce regions and elevations, the DGGS network enhances the spatial and temporal resolution of hydrometeorological datasets across Alaska, contributing to improved forecasting, reanalysis efforts, and validation of climate simulations. This data collection is released with an open end-user license. All files can be downloaded from the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys website (http://doi.org/10.14509/31686).
Supplemental_Information:
weather_station:    The dataset contains time-series meteorological and soil data from individual weather stations from targeted locations throughout Alaska.
  1. How might this data set be cited?
    Wolken, G.J., Herstand, M.R., Daanen, R.P., and Staff, DGGS, 2025, Alaska Weather Observation Network: Digital Data Series DDS 25, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -180.000000
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: 180.000000
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 71.392029
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 51.217293
  3. What does it look like?
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Beginning_Date: 2015
    Ending_Date: 2025
    Currentness_Reference:
    ground condition
  5. What is the general form of this data set?
    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: data
  6. How does the data set represent geographic features?
    1. How are geographic features stored in the data set?
      This is a point data set.
    2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?
      Horizontal positions are specified in geographic coordinates, that is, latitude and longitude. Latitudes are given to the nearest .00001. Longitudes are given to the nearest .00001. Latitude and longitude values are specified in decimal degrees. The horizontal datum used is WGS84.
      The ellipsoid used is WGS 84.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378137.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/298.257223563.
      Vertical_Coordinate_System_Definition:
      Altitude_System_Definition:
      Altitude_Datum_Name: Unknown
      Altitude_Resolution: 1
      Altitude_Distance_Units: meters
      Altitude_Encoding_Method:
      Explicit elevation coordinate included with horizontal coordinates
  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?
    weather_station
    The dataset contains time-series meteorological and soil data from individual weather stations from targeted locations throughout Alaska. (Source: DGGS and collaborative research partners)
    Sensor Graphs
    Visual representations of time-series data from various sensors (Source: DGGS) free text
    Current Conditions
    Latest available readings from active sensors (Source: sensor manufacturer) free text
    Station
    Metadata about the weather station location and configuration (Source: DGGS) free text
    Interval
    Time interval between recorded measurements (Source: sensor manufacturer) free text
    Station Information
    Descriptive details about station purpose, funding, and deployment (Source: DGGS) free text

Who produced the data set?

  1. Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)
  2. Who also contributed to the data set?
    This work is funded by several agencies and supported by numerous federal, state, municipal, and local partners. See each individual station for specific acknowledgments. The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the U.S. Geological Survey. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute their endorsement by the U.S. Geological Survey. Ronnie Daanen played an instrumental role in collaborating on the project vision and leading the installation of many of the initial stations. In July 2023, Ronnie, along with colleagues Justin Germann and Tori Moore, and pilot Tony Higdon, tragically passed away in a helicopter crash while conducting fieldwork in support of hydrometeorological monitoring on the North Slope. This publication is released posthumously in their memory.
  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
    Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys
    GIS Manager
    3354 College Rd
    Fairbanks, AK
    USA

    907-451-5020 (voice)
    dggsgis@alaska.gov
    Hours_of_Service: 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, except State holidays

Why was the data set created?

This dataset was developed to support long-term hydrometeorological monitoring through the deployment and maintenance of weather stations in Alaska's data-scarce regions and under-observed elevations. Funded externally and supported by diverse partnerships, the network aims to enhance the spatial and temporal coverage of weather and climate observations. Continuous updates to the database incorporate new and published information, contributing to improved environmental analysis and decision-making.

How was the data set created?

  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?
  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
    Date: 2025 (process 1 of 1)
    Weather stations deployment - Data are acquired from weather stations deployed throughout the state in typically high-elevation settings. The current conditions are representative of the last data transmission as indicated by the timestamp in Alaska (Alaska Standard Time (UTC-9) or Alaska Daylight Time (UTC-8)), and archived data are based on the sampling rate at each weather station. The data are raw (unmodified) and have not been quality-controlled. Weather station locations are reported using the World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS 84) datum. Wind data are reported from 0-359 degrees (clockwise), with 0 degrees set to north.
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
    Bliss, A.K., Hock, Regine, Wolken, G.J., Whorton, E.N., Aubry-Wake, Caroline, Braun, Juliana, Gusmeroli, Alessio, Harrison, W.D., Hoffman, Andrew, and Liljedahl, A.K., 2019, Glaciers and climate of the upper Susitna Basin, Alaska; supporting data: Raw Data File RDF 2019-3, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 6 p
    Germann, J.T., Daanen, R.P., Stokes, T.B., and Wikstrom Jones, K.M., 2024, Installation of environmental and hydrological monitoring stations-Utqiagvik-Wainwright-Atqasuk region, Alaska, August 2022: Raw Data File RDF 2023-21, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 4 p
    Stevens, D.S.P., Wolken, G.J., Hubbard, T.D., and Hendricks, K.A., 2018, Landslides in Alaska: Information Circular IC 65, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 2 p
    Timm, Kristin, and Wolken, G.J., 2017, Deglacierization and the development of glacier-related hazards: Information Circular IC 63, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 3 p
    Wolken, G.J., Hendricks, K.A., Daanen, R.P., Overbeck, J.R., Stevens, D.S.P., and Masterman, S.S., 2017, Alaska & climate change: Information Circular IC 64, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 2 p

How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?

  1. How well have the observations been checked?
    The data are raw (unmodified) and have not been quality-controlled.
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
    Weather station locations are generally accurate within 10 meters.
  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
    Reported elevations are estimated to be within 30 meters.
  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
    Weather stations can stop recording and transmitting data for various reasons. Users may find unrecoverable data gaps in the output files. The data files are direct output from the instrumentation and have basic variable and unit descriptions. They are not supported with an accompanying data dictionary to describe field names and values.
  5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
    Weather station measurements, manufacturers, and configurations vary throughout the station network. Although weather stations share some consistencies, their hydrometeorological observations and sensors are station-specific. When available, we provide images of the installation sites to demonstrate station configuration.

How can someone get a copy of the data set?

Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?
Access_Constraints:
This report, map, and/or dataset is available directly from the State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (see contact information below).
Use_Constraints:
Any hard copies or published datasets utilizing these datasets shall clearly indicate their source. If the user has modified the data in any way, the user is obligated to describe the types of modifications the user has made. The user specifically agrees not to misrepresent these datasets, nor to imply that changes made by the user were approved by the State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys. The State of Alaska makes no express or implied warranties (including warranties for merchantability and fitness) with respect to the character, functions, or capabilities of the electronic data or products or their appropriateness for any user's purposes. In no event will the State of Alaska be liable for any incidental, indirect, special, consequential, or other damages suffered by the user or any other person or entity whether from the use of the electronic services or products or any failure thereof or otherwise. In no event will the State of Alaska's liability to the Requestor or anyone else exceed the fee paid for the electronic service or product.
  1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)
    State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys
    3354 College Road
    Fairbanks, AK
    USA

    907-451-5020 (voice)
    907-451-5050 (FAX)
    dggspubs@alaska.gov
    Hours_of_Service: 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, except State holidays
    Contact_Instructions:
    Please view our website (http://www.dggs.alaska.gov) for the latest information on available data. Please contact us using the e-mail address provided above when possible.
  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set? DDS 25
  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
    The State of Alaska makes no express or implied warranties (including warranties of merchantability and fitness) with respect to the character, function, or capabilities of the electronic services or products or their appropriateness for any user's purposes. In no event will the State of Alaska be liable for any incidental, indirect, special, consequential, or other damages suffered by the user or any other person or entity, whether from the use of the electronic services or products, any failure thereof, or otherwise, and in no event will the State of Alaska's liability to the requestor or anyone else exceed the fee paid for the electronic service or product.
  4. How can I download or order the data?

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:
Last modified: 14-Aug-2025
Metadata author:
Simone Montayne
3354 College Road
Fairbanks, AK
USA

907-451-5020 (voice)
Metadata standard:
FGDC Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)
Metadata extensions used:

Generated by mp version 2.9.50 on Thu Aug 14 19:16:37 2025