NWS Fairbanks DSS: Mount McKinley Climbing Forecast


Situational Awareness	Climbing Forecast	Observations

133
SXAK49 PAFG 061254
RECAFG

Mount McKinley Recreational Forecast
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
454 AM AKDT Wed May 6 2026

The forecast for the lower elevations of Denali National Park can be
found online at https://www.weather.gov/afg/mckinleyclimbing_forecast.
Additional information, including flying weather, can be
found online at https://www.weather.gov/afg/mckinleyclimbing.

Altitude Forecast...
Wind speeds 14 thousand feet and above are free air.
Wind gusts are not included.
Temperatures are in Fahrenheit.

.SYNOPSIS...
Cold, dry air is approaching from the north with the biggest
impact being colder temperatures at 14000 feet. Periods of snow
likely at 7000ft through Friday. The steadiest snow is expected at
7000ft camp on Wednesday. Light snow showers possible at 14000ft.
Winds will be strengthening from 14000 feet to the summit
beginning Wednesday night.

&&

.FORECAST FOR 7000 FOOT BASE CAMP...
Winds less than 15 mph are not included.

.TODAY...Mostly cloudy. Snow likely. Highs 10 to 15 above.
.TONIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Snow likely. Lows 0 to 5 above. Southwest
winds around 15 mph.
.THURSDAY...Mostly cloudy. Snow likely. Highs 15 to 20 above.
South winds 15 to 20 mph.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Snow likely. Lows 0 to 5 above.
South winds 15 mph.

&&

.FORECAST FOR 14000 FEET...
Winds less than 15 mph are not included.

.TODAY...Mostly cloudy. Chance of snow. Highs 5 to 10 below. Southwest
winds 15 to 20 mph.
.TONIGHT...Partly cloudy. Chance of snow. Lows 10 to 20
below. Southwest winds 20 to 25 mph.
.THURSDAY...Partly cloudy. Chance of snow. Highs 10 to 15 below.
Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Snow Likely. Lows 15 to 25
below. Southwest 20 to 25 mph.

&&

.FORECAST FOR 17000 FEET TO SUMMIT...
Winds less than 15 mph are not included.

.TODAY...Partly cloudy. Highs 20 to 30 below. Southwest winds
20 to 30 mph.
.TONIGHT...Clear. Lows 30 to 40 below. West winds 25 to 35 mph.
.THURSDAY...Clear. Highs 20 to 30 below. Southwest winds 35 to 45
mph.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Clear. Lows 30 to 40 below. Southwest winds 40
to 50 mph.

&&

.OUTLOOK FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY...
Winds will begin to increase Wednesday night but are expected to
remain strong, likely exceeding 50mph at the Summit, from
Friday through Saturday morning. Saturday evening winds begin to
lighten and shift southeasterly. Temperatures at all levels should
also begin to warm slightly on Saturday. Snow remains likely
below 14000ft with chances for snow above 14000ft. Expect light
snow accumulations through the week.

&&

$$
JT May 26