Heavy Snow — Southwest Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

2026-01-06 · Southwest Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

Event narrative

The ASOS at the Homer airport (PAHO) reported strong winds and heavy snow between around 9 AM and 3 PM. The worst conditions were around 2 PM when the winds were from the West-Southwest at 28 mph gusting to 47 mph in conjunction with 1/4 mile visibility due to heavy snow and blowing snow. The visibilities were generally closer to 1 mile for much of the event so calling it Heavy Snow instead of Blizzard. This was also confirmed with Homer police who reported heavy and drifting snow but not quite blizzard conditions.

Wider weather episode

A strong surface low associated with an upper level trough in the Gulf of Alaska increased snowfall over Southcentral Alaska on January 5th as flow shifted southwesterly. The trough was negatively tilted, which further aided in providing lift for additional snowfall. In addition, the low created a very tight pressure gradient over Kachemak Bay and the southern Kenai Peninsula January 6, 2026. In addition to the pressure gradient, heavy snow developed over Kachemak Bay producing heavy snow and blowing snow over the region. Strong Westerly winds also produced high surf along the Homer Spit.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1300121. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.