Blizzard — Taiya Inlet and Klondike Highway, Alaska

2022-01-09 · Taiya Inlet and Klondike Highway, Alaska

Event narrative

Alaska Department of transportation reported that the Klondike Highway is closed to blowing and drifting snow with winds as high as 50 mph.

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 1005215. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.