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

2023-03-18 to 2023-03-19 · Wrn P.w. Snd & Kenai Mtns, Alaska

Event narrative

Alaska DOT reported blizzard and whiteout conditions with snow amounts ranging from 6-24 inches. Chugach Avalanche Center Meteorologist, Wendy Wagner, reported multiple cars in the ditch, including a police vehicle, as well as, 18 inches on the road at the top of the pass. The verifying ASOS report noted quarter mile visibility, heavy snowfall and peak wind gusts of 34 kts at 12:44pm March 18, 2023.

Wider weather episode

An strong, elongated low lifted out of the southeast from the Gulf of Alaska and propagated towards the northwest, impacting a large swath of Southern Alaska and the Aleutian Chain. The low first impacted the Kenai Peninsula, bringing gusty winds, heavy snow, and lowered visibilities. As the low tracked westward, increased winds combined with moderate to heavy snowfall, banded at times, along with with blizzard conditions and lowered visibilities across areas of the Southwest and the Aleutian Chain.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1105214. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.