Blizzard — Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska

2023-03-19 to 2023-03-20 · Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska

Event narrative

The Kipnuk and Mekoryuk ASOS recorded 1/4 to 1/2SM visibilites and winds to 61 mph over several hours. Meanwhile, the Bethel ASOS recorded visibilites of one and a quarter SM with peak winds of 50mph.

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 1105219. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.