Anchorage researcher to discuss results of snow load survey
Julie Stricker
907-474-5406
Dec. 2, 2025
Shoveling snow from roofs, like this one in Anchorage, is a safety measure in heavy snow loads.
A recent survey shows 70% of Anchorage residents are concerned about heavy snow loads on roofs, and a significant number are hiring help to address these concerns.
In a webinar hosted by the University of 91ÊÓƵ Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service, Jennifer Schmidt, associate professor of natural resource management and policy at the University of 91ÊÓƵ Anchorage Institute of Social and Economic Research, will discuss the results of the survey.
Increased amounts of heavy snow and rain on snow at high latitudes are placing a burden on communities and infrastructure. In 2023-2024, 24 buildings in Anchorage collapsed under the weight of snow, resulting in one fatality.
Schmidt surveyed 421 Anchorage-area households and found widespread concerns. Results of a business survey are also being compiled.
The decision to issue warnings to clear snow from roofs is difficult because most snow-monitoring stations are in nearby mountains, not in the population centers where people live and own businesses. This project identified just one urban snow monitoring station in Anchorage; more are needed to correlate snow on the ground with snow loads on roofs.
Schmidt will share the survey results in a free webinar at noon on Dec. 10. Register using the or visit .
For more information, contact Molly Johansson at 907-786-6313 or mjohansson@alaska.edu.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION — Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made five business days in advance to Alda Norris at amnorris2@alaska.edu or 907-474-7120. Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information, will be provided free of charge to individuals with limited English proficiency upon request to amnorris2@alaska.edu.
This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
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