Winter Storm in Chatanika River Valley, Alaska

The nearby Fairbanks ASOS (PAFA) site first reported winter storm conditions at 12:20L on 2/19 and continued through 18:15L on 2/19. Radar data showed frequent snow squalls with wind gusts at or above 35 mph, visibility at or below 1/4 miles, and whiteout conditions between the hours of 14:00L on 2/19 through 17:00L on 2/19. A peak observation was recorded at 14:53L on 2/19 with light snow, blowing snow, mist, 1 miles visibility, and sustained winds at 22 mph gusting to 36 mph.

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.