Blizzard — Thompson Pass, Alaska

2026-01-09 to 2026-01-10 · Thompson Pass, Alaska

Event narrative

The Thompson Pass Department of Transportation reported total snowfall accumulations between 18 and 30 inches between 1/9 and 1/10/26. Blowing snow and blizzard conditions were noted through the pass during mainly the onset of the event when gusty northeast winds were strongest during the evening to overnight hours on 1/9 to early 1/10.

Wider weather episode

A deep upper level trough situated across the eastern Bering and Southwest Alaska helped support the development of a deep low pressure center south of the Alaska Peninsula during the second week of January 2026. This low pushed a strong warm front into the Gulf of Alaska as the low center shifted eastwards with time, spreading widespread precipitation into Southcentral Alaska between January 9th and 10th. The heaviest snowfall was observed through Thompson Pass, where over two feet of snowfall accumulation and whiteout conditions were observed due to strong northeasterly winds combined with the heavy snowfall rates.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1313884. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.