Winter Weather — Wrn P.w. Snd & Kenai Mtns, Alaska

2023-01-01 · Wrn P.w. Snd & Kenai Mtns, Alaska

Event narrative

Low elevation mixed precipitation and areas of heavy snow across the mountains and mountain passes, impacted the Turnagain Arm and areas along the Chugach Mountain Range. Alyeska Resort staff and a Chugach Avalanche forecaster reported that the area south of Turnagain Pass at had received 4-6 inches of new snow before 8:35AM, with the rain-snow level as low as 800-1000ft. Additionally, areas extending from Turnagain Pass through Portage Turnoff up to Indian Valley saw moderate to heavy mixed precipitation, with 2-4 inches of slush along Indian Valley.

Wider weather episode

A broad and elongated upper low draped across southern Alaska tracked slowly north on December 31, 2022; an embedded shortwave, associated with a strong surface low and deep southerly moisture fetch, tracked northward towards Prince William Sound. Of note was the warm temperatures aloft. As it was a fast moving pattern, some of the impacts were limited; however, areas of mixed precipitation, and heavy and blowing snow did impact the Chugach Mountains, the Turnagain Arm and Thompson Pass on January 1, 2023.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1096486. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.