Storm Surge/Tide — Southwest Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

2026-01-06 · Southwest Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

Event narrative

The Homer Harbormaster reported measured winds over 50 kts and seas around 10 ft. This produced high surf along the Homer Spit which caused the erosion zone on the Homer Spit Road between the ice rink and fishing lagoon to have wash/debris/logs/rocks/ice chucks cast about. There is some small erosion spots along the western shoulder of the highway. The Glacier Boardwalk and beach lost a little more beach as well.

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 1300124. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.