Winter Storm in White Mountains and High Terrain South of the Yukon River, Alaska

As the winter storm was approaching, strong winds accompanied a front over the higher terrain northeast of Fairbanks. AKDOT personnel initially reported a closure of Eagle Summit along the Steese Highway around Noon on the 13th. The report included heavy snowfall and strong winds estimated at 40 mph or greater resulting in blowing snow and poor visibility. Heavy drifting of snow on the roadway was also reported.

The second week of February saw the first of 3 back to back major winter storms move across Alaska's West Coast and Interior. The week began with abnormally cold readings across the all of Northern and Central Alaska. By Monday a very strong storm system entered the Bering Sea and proceeded to move northeastward across the West Coast and the Interior of Alaska over the next several days. Initially the storm brought heavy snow and strong winds from the Bering Strait coastline down to the Yukon Delta region which resulted in blizzard conditions. As the storm moved deeper into the Interior the storm produced heavy snowfall and occasional snow squalls.