Blizzard — Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska

2023-02-27 to 2023-02-28 · Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska

Event narrative

The Mekoryuk AWOS recorded blizzard conditions from the afternoon of February 27 through the early morning of February 28, with a sustained period of wind gusts in excess of 35 knots (40 mph). Blizzard conditions were also observed along the Kuskokwim Delta coast, at the Kipnuk AWOS, for several hours. Wind gusts at Kipnuk consistently exceeded 40 knots (46 mph).

Wider weather episode

An intensifying North Pacific low entered the Bering Sea during the evening of February 27, tracking northeast toward the Bering Strait. The low brought high winds to the Pribilof Islands as it passed to the north of the islands at peak intensity during the early morning hours of February 28. At the same time, its front pushed into Southwest Alaska, leading to widespread blowing snow, with blizzard conditions along the Kuskokwim Delta coast.

The front further progressed eastward into Southcentral Alaska, where it dropped heavy snow and blowing snow lead to low visibilities. This was aided by the development of a triple point low along the front in the Gulf of Alaska late on February 28 into the morning hours of March 1. Snow came to an end for most locations on March 1 as the front and newly-developed triple point low continued eastward. However, impacts continued on Kodiak Island as cold air advection on the back side of the exiting low contributed to high winds through the morning of March 2.

See next month for information on the March 2023 portion of this event.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1102234. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.