Winter Storm — Western Prince William Sound, Alaska

2024-11-04 to 2024-11-05 · Western Prince William Sound, Alaska

Event narrative

A SNOTEL in Turnagain Pass reported snowfall rates of more than 2 inches per hour in the early morning hours of November 5th. There were reports from social media that near-whiteout conditions were occurring along the Seward Highway near Turnagain Pass during the same time period.

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 1226115. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.