The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1897-09-22
THE KLOND|KE CLIMATE
\ REPORT on THE WE NTflrR or
ALASKA.
Temperate Region Along the Coast
Rigorous Cold in the Interior Sun
Rises at 10 \. VI.

hlscS ~ ~ y. VI.
The general conception of Alaskan
climate, says the Seattle Post-lntclli.
gencer, is largely due to those who
follow the sea, and this is not strange
when we consider the vast extent OF
shore line, over 10000 miles. possess
ed by that territory. The climates of
the coast and the interior are unlike
in many respects, and the differences
are intensified in this as, perhaps. in
few other countries by exceptional
physical conditions. The natural con
trast between land and sea is here tire
mendously increased by the current
of water that impinges on the coast OF
British Columbia. one branch flowing
northward toward Sitka and thence
westward to the Kal<iak and Shuma-
gin Islands. The fringe of islands
that separates the mainland from the
Pacific ocean from Dixon sound
northward, ana also strip of the
mainland for twenty miles back from
the sea, following the sweep of the
ocean as it curves to the northwest
ward extremity of Alaska. form a
distinct climatic division. which may
be termed temperate Alaska.
The temperature rarely falls to re.
ro. winter does not set in until about
December I. and by the last of MAY
the snow has disappeared except in
the mountains. The mean winter
temperature of Sitka is 32.5. but little
less than that of Washington, ID. e.
While Sitka is fully exposed to the sea
influence, places further inland, bur
not over the Coast range mountains,
as Killisnoo and Juneau. have also IL
mild temperature throughout the win
ter months. The temperature chang
es from month to month in temperate
Alaska are small, not exceeding 25 de-
grees from midwinter to midsummer
The average temperature of July, the
warmest month of summer, rarely
reaches 55 degrees, and the highest
temperature for Il single day seldom
reaches IS degrees.
The rainfall of temperate Alaska is
notorious the world over not only as
regards the quantity that falls. but
also as to the manner of its falling.
viz, in long and incessant rains and
drizzles. Cloud and fog naturally
abound, there being on an average but
siXty-siX clear days in the year.
Alaska, is land of striking contrast
both in climate as well as in topogra-
ply. When the sun shines the atmos-
phere is remarkably clear, the scenic
effects are magnificent. all nature
seems to be in holiday attire. But
the scene changes very quickly; the
sky becomes overcast; the winds in
crease in force: rain begins to fall,
the evergreens sigh ominousiy, and
utter desolation and loneliness pre-
vail.
The climate of the interior, includ-
ing within that designation practical
ly all the country except narrow
fringe of coastal margin and the ter
ritory before referred to as temper
ate Alaska. is one of extreme rigor
in winter, with a brief, but relatively
hot summer, especially when the sky
is free from clouds.
In the Klondike region in midwinter
the sun rises from $3.50 to 10 O'Clock "a.
M, and sets from 2 to p. m, the to-
tai length of daylight being about 1
hours. Remembering that the sun
rises but a few degrees above the ho-
rizon. and that it is wholly obscured
on great many days, the character
of the winter months may be easily
imagined
In the interior of Alaska the winter
sets in as early as September, when
snow storms may be expected in the
mountains and passes. Headway dur
ing one of these storms is impossible
and the traveller who is overtaken by
them is indeed fortunate if he escapes
with his life. Snow storms of great
severity may occur in any month from
September to May inclusive.
The changes of temperature from
winter to summer are rapid owing to
the great increase in the length of the
day. In May the sun rises about ,
o'clock a. m, and sets at about Q
o'clock p. IN. In June it rises about
1870 o'clock in the morning and sets
at about 1890 p. m, giving about 20
hours of daylight and diffuse twilight
the remainder of the time.
The mean summer temperature of
the interior doubtless ranges between
60 and 20 degrees. according to ele-
walton, being highest in the middle
and lower Yukon valleys.
MY boy came home from school one
day with his hand badly lacerated and
bleeding, and suffering great pain"
saws Mr.. +. j. Schall, with Never Bros