Avalanche — Central Brooks Range, Alaska

2025-01-24 · Central Brooks Range, Alaska

Event narrative

Alaska DOT reported on the 511 site that numerous avalanches had occurred through Atigun pass resulting in closure of the Dalton Highway. During the time of the event the Chandalar Shelf mesonet site was reporting several hours of 30 to 40 mph wind gusts leading to extra snow loading in the area.

Wider weather episode

A series of three strong low pressure centers moved northward through the Bearing with the last one pushing a strong cold front into the interior. These storms resulted in heavy snowfall across western and northern Alaska with a mix of snow a freezing rain throughout the interior. Strong winds also occurred creating blizzard conditions across several communities over the course of five days.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1237095. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.