The southwest region of Alaska consists of the Bristol Bay area, the Alaskan Peninsula, and the Aleutian Chain. It stretches from lliamna Lake south down the Alaskan Peninsula for 500 miles to the first of the Aleutians Islands which extend south and west for over 1,000 miles. This region is mountainous with 50 volcanic peaks. Katmai National Monument is the site of a major volcanic eruption that occurred in 1912. The climate is cool, with summer temperatures in the 50's and in winter in the 20's or lower. Constant winds and fog are common. Annual precipitation is 28 to 70 inches. The area is sparsely populated.