Snow Load in Alaska

31 counties — Average 50 PSF (Heavy)

1
4
26
Moderate (3.2%) Heavy (12.9%) Case Study (83.9%)
Moderate — 1 county with 21–40 PSF. Roofs need reinforced framing to handle regular snow buildup.
Heavy — 4 counties with 41–60 PSF. Engineered roof systems required for significant snow accumulation.
Case Study — 26 counties where snow loads vary too much to assign one number. A licensed engineer must determine the load for your specific site.

Based on ASCE 7-22, the national standard for structural snow loads used by engineers and building codes across the US.

Alaska Snow Load Map

Counties colored by snow load classification.

Highest Snow Load Counties

Anchorage50 PSF
Juneau City and60 PSF
Sitka City and50 PSF
Wrangell City and60 PSF

All 31 Counties — By Snow Load

CountyClassificationSnow Load
Aleutians East Case Study Site Study
Aleutians West Moderate 30 PSF
Anchorage Heavy 50 PSF
Bethel Case Study Site Study
Bristol Bay Case Study Site Study
Chugach Case Study Site Study
Copper River Case Study Site Study
Denali Case Study Site Study
Dillingham Case Study Site Study
Fairbanks North Star Case Study Site Study
Haines Case Study Site Study
Hoonah-Angoon Case Study Site Study
Juneau City and Heavy 60 PSF
Kenai Peninsula Case Study Site Study
Ketchikan Gateway Case Study Site Study
Ketchikan Gateway Borough Case Study Site Study
Kodiak Island Case Study Site Study
Kusilvak Case Study Site Study
Lake and Peninsula Case Study Site Study
Matanuska-Susitna Case Study Site Study
Nome Case Study Site Study
North Slope Case Study Site Study
Northwest Arctic Case Study Site Study
Petersburg Case Study Site Study
Prince of Wales-Hyder Case Study Site Study
Sitka City and Heavy 50 PSF
Skagway Case Study Site Study
Southeast Fairbanks Case Study Site Study
Wrangell City and Heavy 60 PSF
Yakutat City and Case Study Site Study
Yukon-Koyukuk Case Study Site Study

Source: ASCE 7-22 ground snow load data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the snow load in Alaska?

Alaska has an average ground snow load of 50 PSF, classified as heavy. Out of 31 counties: 1 moderate, 4 heavy, 26 case study.

Which Alaska counties have the highest snow load?

Alaska has 4 counties with heavy snow load (41-60 PSF). 26 counties require a site-specific case study. See the county table above for a complete breakdown.

How do I check snow load for my Alaska address?

Enter your ZIP code in the search box above to see your area's ASCE 7-22 ground snow load, classification, and roof snow load calculator.

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