Winter Storm — Prince of Wales Island, Alaska

2024-02-27 to 2024-02-28 · Prince of Wales Island, Alaska

Event narrative

Public comments on social media from around Prince of Wales Island noted highly variable snowfall amounts due to blowing and drifting snow. The first report was for up to 12 inches in Coffman Cove by 126pm on the 27th. Other reports ranged from 14 inches in Thorne Bay, confirmed by the COOP, to over 6 inches in Whale Pass through the following morning. Locations on the western side of the Island saw lower accumulations with exception of Naukati Bay which saw about 10 inches.

Wider weather episode

A slow moving system with cold air in place brought widespread snowfall across the panhandle. Blowing snow with reduced visibility and heavy rates were observed followed by post-frontal snow showers.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1165200. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.