Blizzard — Northern Arctic Coast, Alaska

2025-12-11 to 2025-12-12 · Northern Arctic Coast, Alaska

Event narrative

The Utqiagvik (Barrow) ASOS site (PABR) reported meeting blizzard criteria at 0550 on 12/12/25. Blizzard conditions were observed at the site between 0250 to 0845 on 12/12/25. A peak wind gust of 55 mph and visibility less than 1/4 miles was reported at 0640 on 12/12/25.

Wider weather episode

A Siberian low moving from west to east across the Arctic Coast brought heavy snow, strong winds, and cold temperatures to much of the North Slope, the northern Seward Peninsula, and Kotzebue Sound. Widespread blizzard conditions developed when falling snow and strong winds coincided, in addition to ground blizzards in areas where there was significant amounts of blowable snow. Impacts included highway closures, whiteout conditions, and very strong wind gusts.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1306972. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.