Heavy Snow — Western Kupreanof Island and Kuiu Island, Alaska

2024-02-01 · Western Kupreanof Island and Kuiu Island, Alaska

Event narrative

Trained spotter in Security Bay reported light snow fell on January 31st, but rates were below warning criteria. Snow continued to fall through the morning of the 1st with around 6 inches falling in a 12 hour period. Including snow from the previous day, the spotter measured 10.25 inches and was still snowing lightly at their 1144am observation time with a heavy snow load on trees. The nearest community of Kake continued to report snow until the 8pm hour, but no snowfall reports from that area.

Wider weather episode

A N-S oriented stationary front set up over the central panhandle Wednesday January 31st with a tight temperature gradient between cold air to the west and very warm air over the southern inner channels. Snow fell along the front in a narrow band centered over Juneau, Angoon, and Kuiu Island. The front slowly shifted eastward through the following day, February 1st, with rain transitioning to snow over Petersburg and northern Prince of Wales Island.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1160796. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.