Winter Storm — Central Susitna Valley, Alaska

2026-01-05 to 2026-01-07 · Central Susitna Valley, Alaska

Event narrative

A post on social media reported 13 inches of snow measured in Willow, 1.5 miles down Long Lake Road.

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 1312882. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.