Heavy Snow in Upper Chena River Valley, Alaska

The Munson Ridge SNOTEL reported a snow depth increase from 40 inches at 16:00L on 2/18 to 50 inches at 16:00L on 2/19. The storm total snow amount for this event was 10 inches within 24 hours. This values exceeds the snowfall criteria threshold of greater than 8 inches falling in 24 hours for this forecast zone. Additionally, radar data showed frequent snow squalls over the area between the hours of 14:00L and 17:00L on 2/19. These snow squalls created winter storm conditions of blowing snow, wind gusts greater than 35 mph, visibilities at or below 1/4 miles, and whiteout conditions for multiple hours in the afternoon.

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.