Winter Storm — Northern Bristol Bay Coast, Alaska

2026-01-04 to 2026-01-05 · Northern Bristol Bay Coast, Alaska

Event narrative

The Dillingham Police estimated 18 inches of snow. Travel was affected, but Emergency Services were able to continue operations. Dillingham Public Works reported delays and heavy drifting of snow (2 foot drifts estimated).

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 1312752. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.