Eh, maybe much ado about nothing (Anchorage, Wasilla: living, storage, mall)

[Classic Satch]

I've had some people(mostly my neighbors) try to scare me about winter up here and then I've heard other accounts where it really doesn't sound any worse than Pittsburgh. I realize that winter lasts longer in Wasilla but I just don't really think I have anything to worry about.

I've heard that Wasilla doesn't get much snow and that temps aren't much lower than those in Anchorage. And quite frankly, Anchorage temps aren't anything that I'm not used to as a western PA native.

So, why the hype?

[arctichomesteader]

So, why the hype?

Scare away Californians!

[Barkingowl]

I'd say it depends on how well snow removal is handled & by how badly people drive when they realize that they can't stop. After the first major snow you'll have to tell us how long it takes for you to commute to Anchorage.

[SuValley]

And just how well you planned out your snow storage when it starts blowing out of the north, northeast at 40 mph for a few days.

Wave to the snow that was in my yard, as it passes by yours, on it's way to Skwentna!

Seriously, you have no idea about winds and snow. Yet. And just how greasy those roads can get. I would not commute to Anchorage if I could help it, I would carpool or take MASCOT instead. Too risky for me, and I make deliveries for a living, haha!

[Nephler]

I've heard the commute can take upwards to 3 hours on bad days.

[icarian]

Anchorage (and vic) winter scare? There shouldn't be. Significant snow fall, but otherwise your winter isn't too "out there". Hype about winter...the Interior/Slope have a winter that is "out there" compared to other States. Perhaps that is the hype when people talk about an Alaskan winter.

One other possibility is the light levels. The amount of darkness goes hand in hand with Alaskan winters. The sun always being low on the southern horizon (or well below it) is definitely a unique factor for most of the state.

[RayinAK]

One never knows. For example, when I lived in Anchorage back in the late '70s and early '80s, there were some very cold winters and lots of snow. Then it seems that it was not as cold in the '90s through now, and that's one of the reasons why the Iditarod's start has had to be moved to other locations. But according to scientific reports published recently, solar flares (winds, etc.) peaked around 2002, which increases the likelihood of long winters and more snow.

[DannyL]

satch, winter in Alaska is pretty much what you make of it, what you're used too, and how you live.
A lot of it is the VERY short days. A lot of newbies go bat-$hit by Jan because of the cold, the wind, the snow, the lack of the ability to go to the mall when they're bored and listen to elevator music played over the speakers so they can "socialize", and yes, the 4 hr days..And yes, it get's cold as hell.
From what I've seen people who are basically commuter-consumers have a really bad first winter.
I think you're first one is gonna be a heck of a learning experience, but next year you're gonna be just fine.
There's a learning curve to living here......

[warptman]

It gets cold here?

[Barkingowl]

On the bright side its great hot tubbing weather.