Blizzard — Bristol Bay, Alaska

2023-12-09 to 2023-12-11 · Bristol Bay, Alaska

Event narrative

FAA webcams and ASOS' recorded blizzard conditions as winds gusted as high as 40-45 kts (49 mph) through several hours at Clarks Point and Dillingham with visibilities dropping to 1/4 mile for several hours at each location.

Wider weather episode

An elongated low which was centered south of the eastern Aleutians moved into Southwest Alaska spreading heavy snow, strong winds and blizzard conditions across the region. Blizzard conditions were observed at several sites from Dillingham north into interior Bristol Bay from late morning through the evening of Dec 10, where winds were strongest. At least 6 inches of snowfall was measured in King Salmon, with light snow continuing through Dec 11 with moisture wrapping around the back side of the low as it elongated along the Alaska/Aleutian Range.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1149193. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.