Blizzard in Yukon Delta Coast, Alaska

The Hooper Bay AWOS (PAHP) first reported blizzard conditions at 12:41L on 2/16 and continued through 19:43L on 2/16. Blizzard conditions were met at 15:45L on 2/16. A nearby AWOS site at Chevak (PAVA) also reported consistent winds above 35 mph and visibilities less than or equal to 1/4 miles for over 3 hours as well. A peak observation was recorded at the Hooper Bay AWOS (PAHP) at 16:05L on 2/16 with 44 mph sustained winds gusting to 50 mph, heavy snow, ice fog, and visibility at 1/8 miles.

A strong Bering Sea low moves into the Gulf of Anadyr, allowing for a strong front to move into Western Alaska. As the front approached the West Coast, strong east/southeast winds brought blizzard and whiteout conditions to much of the Seward Peninsula south. A secondary push of moisture brought by a shortwave system pushed off the Bering Sea low allowed for widespread heavy snow across St. Lawrence Island, the southern Seward Peninsula, and parts of the Western Interior. As the front pushed eastward across the state, snow squalls developed over portions of the Central Interior, leading to periods of heavy snowfall and gusty winds.