Blizzard — Susitna Valley, Alaska

2025-01-28 to 2025-01-30 · Susitna Valley, Alaska

Event narrative

The Cantwell Department of Transportation camp reported quarter mile visibility, high winds, drifting snow, and blizzard conditions on January 29th. The Alaska Department of Transportation site reported Very Difficult driving conditions for Broad Pass on January 29th.

Wider weather episode

An Arctic low passed through Southcentral from the north from January 28th to January 30th. Snow chances and wind speeds increased as a result, particularly in the Copper River Basin from Paxson to Isabel Pass and Prince William Sound including Thompson Pass. Broad Pass had lower chances for snowfall, but a previous snow event meant that easily transportable snowfall was present in the pass. All three passes ended up in blizzard conditions between the 29th and 30th of January, creating very difficult driving conditions from blowing snow and drifting snow.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1234665. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.