Blizzard — Inland Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska

2026-01-04 to 2026-01-05 · Inland Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska

Event narrative

The Bethel ASOS observed blizzard conditions (blowing snow, >35 mph wind gusts, and quarter mile visibility or less) from 11:23 AM to 3:10 PM AKST January 4 with only short breaks in blizzard conditions within that timeframe.

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 1312130. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.