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

2023-04-09 to 2023-04-10 · Wrn P.w. Snd & Kenai Mtns, Alaska

Event narrative

Two observation sites in Whittier began reporting west winds sustained at 30 to 35 mph gusting between 40 and 50 mph with 1/4 mile visibility or less between 6 am and 7 am AKST 4/9, lasting close to 24 hours until 6 am AKST 4/10 as winds began to diminish. This was also supported by local webcam imagery that showed very poor visibility beginning around the same time and lasting for many hours.

Wider weather episode

A low pressure center moved south of the Kenai Peninsula on 4/9 as its front curved northwest into the Prince William Sound. Much cooler air and Arctic high pressure was entrenched over the southern Mainland ahead of this system, leading to a very strong pressure gradient along the Gulf Coast and strong offshore gap winds developing out of fjords and passes ahead of the low and frontal system. Moderate snowfall moved into the Kenai Peninsula as gusty westerly winds continued through Portage Valley and Whittier, leading to nearly 24 hours of near whiteout conditions for Whittier between 4/9 and 4/10.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1105280. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.