About SNAP Data

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Customized climate data

SNAP produces downscaled, historical, and projected climate data for Alaska and Canada. We also share other types of project-specific data that cover much larger regions.

We choose the highest quality climate data for our region, rigorously evaluate model output, and downscale only the best models for use in other applications.

  • Downscaled projected data come from one of 5 top ranked global circulation models or are calculated as a 5-model average
  • Each model has 3 versions from one of 3 climate scenarios
  • Climate datasets include daily, monthly, monthly decadal averages, or specific seasonal averages

Learn more about our data sources, model selection, and downscaling processes.

Data categories

  • Observed Historical: Variables are directly observed in the past and then assembled into a gridded dataset. Example: downscaled CRU time series 1901–2020
  • Modeled Historical: Variables are modeled over an historical time period. Example: historical (1850–2005) runs of GCMs
  • Modeled Projected: Variables are modeled over one or more future time periods. Outputs (projections) also include several possible pathways (scenarios). Example: projected (2006–2100) runs of GCMs and their respective RCPs

Model term definitions

CMIP Phase 6 (CMIP6)

(Summer 2022) We are currently evaluating options for model selection and downscaling of outputs from CMIP6. If you have ideas on what you would find useful, please contact us.

CMIP Phase 5 (CMIP5)

  • Outputs from the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5). SNAP uses the first ensemble model run.
  • Scenarios: Historical and RCPs 4.5, 6.0, 8.5 where RCP = Representative Concentration Pathways; 4.5, 6.0, 8.5 = low, middle, high

CMIP Phase 3 (CMIP3)

  • Outputs from the IPCC’s Fourth Assessment Report (AR4). SNAP uses the first ensemble model run.
  • Scenarios: SRES 20C3m, B1, A1B, A2 where SRES = Special Report on Emissions Scenarios; B1, A1B, A2 = low, middle, high; 20c3m = 20th century


All of our data are freely and publicly available

Our datasets include:

  • Historical downscaled data
  • Projected downscaled data
  • Derived products for Alaska and parts of Canada, including descriptions and metadata

Assistance for data users

Are you looking for specific data, or are you unsure which of our datasets are best for your purposes? We may be able to help.

Note: Because we are a grant-funded research group, complex projects require us to seek support for our programmers, analysts, and faculty.

Please contact us if you're looking to work with us to create something new, or if you wish to use our data for commercial purposes.