High Wind — Nern P.w. Snd, Alaska

2023-03-03 to 2023-03-04 · Nern P.w. Snd, Alaska

Event narrative

DOT reported that wind gusts reached 75 mph around 2:00 am along with heavy drifting snow in and near the Gap, while visibility reduced to 1 mile.

Wider weather episode

A stalled low pressure system off the coast, in the Northern Gulf, provided an optimal pressure gradient for gusty offshore flow, as it paired with high pressure center over the mainland, and a highly amplified jet stream. The combination of these factors brought high winds through Thompson Pass, and into portions of Valdez, Friday evening, March 3 through late Saturday morning March 4. Gusts to 75 mph paired with transportable snow for heavy drifting noted near the Thompson Pass gap and blowing snow reducing visibilities down to a mile.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1105179. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.