Winter Storm in Eastern Aleutians, Alaska

The Unalaska ASOS (PADU) reported persistent heavy snowfall, winds gusting to over 60 mph, and low visibility from 5:00 AM AKDT April 15th to 11:00 PM AKDT the same day. The Emergency Manager of Unalaska reported that there was heavy snow from sea level to higher elevations. They estimated around 12 inches of accumulation across the island of Unalaska with significant drifting at upper elevations of the city. The Emergency Manager office issued a level 2 travel advisory due to poor road conditions. The weather was a factor in the closing of several businesses from 4/15 - 4/16. One car slid off the road due to the difficult travel conditions brought about by snow covered roads and poor visibility. In Akutan, a news reporter relayed that 10 to 15 inches of snow fell in the settlement with winds gusting to 60 to 80 mph. Snow berms/drifts were built up to 4 feet.

A strong low pressure system developed and moved north into the southern Alaska Peninsula between April 15th and April 16th. A band of heavy snow and strong northerly winds developed and moved across Akutan and Unalaska. The settlements saw impacts including poor visibility, bad road conditions, and large snow drifts. Higher elevations saw more snowfall and larger snowdrifts. As the low pushed eastward, an associated strong front moved into Southcentral Alaska on April 16th. The front caused strong winds to develop through mountain gaps and higher elevations of the Anchorage Hillside and along the Turnagain Arm, especially in Portage Valley.