Big Lake, AK Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Big Lake, Matanuska-Susitna County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Big Lake?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged high winds on 2 days in the Lower Matanuska Valley forecast zone and Matanuska-Susitna County — the most common reported hazard around Big Lake, mostly in February and August. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (1 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| High winds | 2 | Feb 2026 | — |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 1 | Jan 2026 | — |
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, 1996–2026 (the latest year is partial). A "day" is a date with at least one report in the Lower Matanuska Valley forecast zone and Matanuska-Susitna County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Big Lake?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is PAHG (Kenai, AK), about 72 miles southwest. Radar beams climb as they travel, so the height of the lowest scan over town decides how low in a storm the radar can see.
| Radar | Distance | Lowest beam over Big Lake | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAHG Kenai, AK | 72 mi southwest | 5,900 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| PAIH Middleton Island, AK | 190 mi southeast | 26,800 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| PAPD Pedro Dome, AK | 255 mi north-northeast | 44,200 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
Beam height is the center of the 0.5° scan above the radar, with standard refraction. Mountains near a radar can block it further.
Tornado & hail history near Big Lake
NOAA has no tornado on record within 25 miles of Big Lake since 1950.
Hail: 1 report of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955; the largest was 1.00-inch hail on August 18, 2015.
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center — tornadoes 1950–2025, hail 1955–2025. Distances are to each tornado's track; ratings before February 2007 use the original Fujita scale.
On TALON you get Big Lake's live radar loop, rain/snow/ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks with arrival times and NWS warnings free; close-up radar and rotation detection are part of TALON Pro.
Big Lake radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Big Lake, AK?
PAHG (Kenai, AK), about 72 miles southwest. PAIH (Middleton Island, AK) is 190 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Big Lake?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Big Lake the lowest scan from PAHG is about 5,900 ft up — good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly.
Is TALON's radar for Big Lake free?
Yes — the US radar loop, rain/snow/ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and NWS warnings are free in any browser. Close-up radar, rotation detection and longer forecasts are part of TALON Pro.
Should I rely on radar for my safety?
No app replaces official warnings. When the National Weather Service issues a warning for Big Lake, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Houston, AK radar 9 mi
- Wasilla, AK radar 18 mi
- Palmer, AK radar 29 mi
- Anchorage, AK radar 33 mi