Blizzard — West Prince William Sound and Whittier, Alaska

2026-01-06 to 2026-01-07 · West Prince William Sound and Whittier, Alaska

Event narrative

An observation site in Whittier (PAWR) recorded snowfall with visibility around a quarter of a mile from 2:09 AM to 3:09 AM AKST before the site stopped reporting. When the site came back up at 8:09 AM, conditions had not improved. Other sites around the same area reported gusty winds >35 mph during this time. This is proof that blizzard conditions occurred.

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 1312887. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.