The National Weather Service has opened a public comment period concerning the proposed closure AND proposed automation of certain weather stations across Alaska.
A few of the mission critical stations that have been recommended to be replaced with automated sensors for around-the-clock coverage are Skwentna, McCarthy and Chulitna.
A few stations have been recommended to be permanently closed –Cantwell, Healy, Sheep Mountain, Sutton, and Willow.
There are several locations where the weather service says there are gaps in service that require new observation systems including the west side of Cook Inlet, Diomede, Barren Islands and about 10 other locations.
Talkeetna is not on any of the lists. It is a manned FAA site with a new web camera available to all aviators and others wishing up to date information on weather observations.
The weather service is soliciting feedback from residents on the recommendations and impacts of closing certain sites or perhaps new sites that are needed that aren’t on the list.
The Surface observation networks support and meet needs of various user communities including pilots, mariners, commuters and partners such as the US Coast Guard.
