Blizzard — Upper Kobuk Valleys, Alaska

2024-01-15 · Upper Kobuk Valleys, Alaska

Event narrative

Blizzard conditions occurred at Shungnak on the afternoon of the 15th, with wind gusts to 45 mph.

Wider weather episode

A 984 mb area of low pressure moved north through the Bering Sea on January 16th, and into the southern Chukchi Sea on the 17th. This weather system brought high winds, snow and blowing snow to the west coast of Alaska. After the low moved into the Chuckhi Sea, a strong area of high pressure built in behind it allowing strong winds to continue over northwest Alaska.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1160727. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.