Blizzard in Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska

The Mekoryuk ASOS station (PAMY) reported 0 to quarter mile visibilities and winds gusting to the mid 40s for several hours from 7:30 AM AKST to 2:30 PM AKST on January 30th. Multiple webcams along the coast from Newtok to Goodnews Bay revealed whiteout conditions in the morning hours of January 30th.

The Kuskokwim Delta coast and the western capes of Bristol Bay were affected by a shortwave trough moving in from the Bering Sea ahead of a ridge. Gusty gale force winds and heavy snowfall resulted as the trough moved inland. These factors led to blizzard conditions as well as very cold wind chills that impacted the aforementioned regions. Residual cold air from a prior Arctic low was another factor in the formation of these weather events. Whiteout conditions affected various communities across the coastal Kuskokwim Delta and the western capes of Bristol Bay for several hours on January 30th.