Blizzard — Kuskokwim Delta Coast and Nunivak Island, Alaska

2026-01-04 to 2026-01-05 · Kuskokwim Delta Coast and Nunivak Island, Alaska

Event narrative

The Toksook ASOS (PAOO) recorded blizzard conditions (blowing snow, quarter mile visibility, and wind gusts greater than 35 mph) from 10:55 AM AKST January 4 to 5:30 PM AKST January 5. There were some breaks in blizzard conditions the morning of January 5. The Kipnuk ASOS (PAKI) also observed blizzard conditions from 12:30 PM to 7:45 PM AKST January 4. The Quinhagak ASOS (PAQH) saw blizzard conditions from 2:25 PM to 5:30 PM AKST January 4.

Wider weather episode

A potent hurricane force North Pacific Low moved into the Bering on January 4. This, combined with potent shortwave troughs and cold air advection behind the low allowed for gusty, westerly to southwesterly winds across the Aleutians and Alaska Peninsula. The Eastern Aleutians and Alaska Peninsula saw strong, gusty winds for a time. As the low moved eastward, heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions were observed over the Southwest mainland.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1312127. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.