April in the Chugach - between snow and melt
April is a turbulent transition period in the Chugach Mountains, seesawing between winter and spring. According to ERA5T climate data, the coastal ranges around Valdez average around 120 mm of precipitation, while Anchorage—sheltered by the Kenai Peninsula—remains significantly drier with less than 20 mm.
As spring takes hold, temperatures rise and the snow line begins to creep upward. It’s often raining on the coast while the mountains still receive fresh snow. The combination of a melting snowpack, the cold ocean, and occasional intrusions of Arctic air creates dynamic and unpredictable conditions. Night frosts are still possible into May, though they’re becoming increasingly rare along the coast.
April is considered “prime time” in Alaska—conditions in the mountains can be excellent, with fresh dumps of snow and a high likelihood of stable weather windows. Meanwhile, the big thaw begins in the lower coastal zones. Fog, drizzle, and slush dominate near sea level, while inland areas tend to stay much drier.