Blizzard — Wrn P.w. Snd & Kenai Mtns, Alaska

2023-03-21 to 2023-03-22 · Wrn P.w. Snd & Kenai Mtns, Alaska

Event narrative

The Portage Glacier Center ASOS recorded 1/4 mile visibility in heavy snow and frequent gusts 35+ mph from 8:44 AM - 11:53 AM. While, visibility was reduced to 1/4 or 1/2 mile due to heavy snow in many locations, no other stations saw prolonged periods of 1/4 mile vis with winds 35+ mph.

- Alaska DOT reported difficult driving conditions along Seward Hwy from Indian Road, all the way to Seward. Whiteout conditions described on Alyeska Highway. Atmospheric conditions described as Winter Storm from Seward Hwy at Ingram Creek to Hope Y, with very difficult conditions (Travel is not advised) for Turnagain Arm.

- Multiple reports of whiteout conditions, vehicles in ditches along Seward Hwy road conditions Facebook groups. Several posts were made about the blizzard warning in these groups.

Wider weather episode

An occluded low and its associated front transitioned from Southwest Alaska under a highly amplified pattern, and propagated towards Kodiak Island producing snow and blowing snow impacts. It then spun up a triple point low with a southerly moisture tap near the southern Kenai Peninsula, producing blizzard conditions and heavy snowfall.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1105220. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.