Heavy Snow — Haines Borough and Klukwan, Alaska

2023-12-14 · Haines Borough and Klukwan, Alaska

Event narrative

Snow began in the early morning hours of the 14th with 7-9 inches accumulating along the Chilkat Peninsula by 7-8am, and 12 inches measured at Haines Customs. The Haines Pass was closed by 832am and Haines Police advised the public of poor driving conditions. Snow then changed to rain in town with a wind shift to the south and gusts of 25-35 mph. These warmer temperatures and wind worked their way up the highway, likely resulting in an avalanche occurring near Klukwan at 1031am and a tree across the highway at 30 mile. Heavy snow near the border lasted into the afternoon with another 9 inches measured at the Customs station the following morning, for a storm total of 21 inches.

Wider weather episode

A storm force front moved into the region, bringing wind, rain, and upper elevation snow to the Haines and Klondike Highways.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1153962. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.