Blizzard — Northern Arctic Coast, Alaska

2010-02-19 to 2010-02-20 · Northern Arctic Coast, Alaska

Wider weather episode

A stationary 1056 mb high 600 miles north of Wrangel Island combined with several weak waves of low pressure that tracked north along the west coast of Alaska to produce a strong pressure gradient along the Arctic coast. An east wind of 25 to 40 mph produced significant blowing and drifting snow. The moisture that was associated with the low also produced falling snow along much of the western and northern Arctic coast. Blizzard conditions were observed, with the visibility frequently less than one quarter mile. White-out conditions were observed at times. The worst conditions were observed along the western Arctic coast where the blizzard conditions persisted for 48 hours.

Zone 201: According to local law enforcement in the village of Atquasuk snow drifts of 12 to 16 feet were observed when the blizzard ended. There were public accounts of snow drifts that were estimated to be about 5 feet in the village of Wainwright. A peak wind gust of 44 kt/51 mph was observed at the Wainwright ASOS.

Zone 202: A peak gust of 38kt/44 mph was observed during this event at the Barrow ASOS.

Zone 203: A peak wind gust of 40kt/46 mph was observed during this event at the Deadhorse ASOS.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 207432. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.