Blizzard — Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska

2024-11-04 to 2024-11-05 · Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska

Event narrative

An AWOS in Kipnuk (PAKI) reported strong winds gusting to over 40 mph, visibilities predominantly at 1/4SM, and moderate to heavy snowfall from 21:55 AKST 11/04 to 01:05 AKST 11/05.

Wider weather episode

A low associated with the remnants of Typhoon Kong-rey tracked northwards through the Eastern Bering, bringing plentiful moisture and strong winds to Southwest Alaska. This, combined with the cold air in place in the Kuskokwim Delta, allowed for blizzard conditions to arise from Bethel towards the west. During the same timeframe, a frontal boundary from this same low tracked into Southcentral Alaska, carrying ample moisture into the Eastern Kenai Peninsula. Once again, enough cold air was in place to cause heavy snowfall along the Turnagain Pass and the Seward Highway.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1226113. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.