Heavy Snow — Cape Fairweather To Cape Suckling Coastal Area, Alaska

2022-01-09 to 2022-01-10 · Cape Fairweather To Cape Suckling Coastal Area, Alaska

Event narrative

Damage to multiple structures including the medical clinic in Yakutat due to snow loading. National Guard was mobilized to help clear roofs from vulnerable structures. New Snow from the storm was estimated to be at least an additional 2 feet leading to snow depths around 5-6 feet across the area.

Wider weather episode

A strong low pressure system in the Gulf of Alaska brings Taku winds to Juneau ahead of the storm, and widespread winds and snow across Southeast Alaska. Heavy snow transitioned to rain across much of the area. This along with antecedent snowfall created roof load issues across the are with structural collapses in Juneau and Yakutat. Rain on snowpack and frozen ground created icy conditions across the area that impacted transportation for days following the event.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1005212. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.