Winter Storm — Municipality of Skagway, Alaska

2023-12-11 to 2023-12-12 · Municipality of Skagway, Alaska

Event narrative

Klondike Highway DOT reported around 3 inches of snow and drifting snow with difficult travel conditions at around 10 am on the 11th near the upper elevations of the highway. Near sea level, rain was falling with strong wind gusts out of the south at 35-55mph. These conditions continued through noon on the 12th when winds shifted to a light northerly and Skagway saw a change to snow with heavy rates. By 511pm, the Klondike Highway report was updated to report very difficult travel conditions and a range of 8 to 16 inches between mile post 8 to the border. The highway was closed for the remainder of the night at 838pm as reported by Skagway Police. A wind shift back to the south changed snow back to rain near sea level then higher speeds helped push the system out, but with blowing snow up the road. The COOP in Skagway reported 6 inches the morning of the 12th and another 5.5 inches the morning of the 13th.

Wider weather episode

A strong system comprised of two waves moving north, brought high winds across the panhandle. The second wave was stronger, and was responsible for the bulk of the high winds. Accumulating snow was also recorded in the northern panhandle. A long fetch of moisture accompanied this system and high astronomical tides during the period of high winds resulted in minor coastal flooding impacts.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1153922. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.