Heavy Snow — Copper River Basin, Alaska

2022-03-04 to 2022-03-06 · Copper River Basin, Alaska

Event narrative

Richardson Highway from mile post 184 to mile post 203 - Surface conditions: Deep snow, Drifting snow, Packed snow, Road surface in poor condition, Snow on roadway, Heavy Drifting, Visibility reduced, resuspended snow dust. Atmospheric Conditions: Heavy snow, Poor visibility, Snow, Visibility reduced, Whiteout. Snow: 10 inches; Wind speed (MPH): Min 10, Max 40.

Wider weather episode

A low pressure system moved northward through the Gulf of Alaska and stalled in Prince William Sound. This resulted in a band of snow that moved over the Chugach Mountains which then stalled and intensified over Anchorage and the Matanuska Valley. As a result, significant snowfall occurred.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1019259. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.