Heavy Snow — Deltana and Tanana, Alaska

2012-12-12 to 2012-12-13 · Deltana and Tanana, Alaska

Wider weather episode

A 980 mb low in the southern Bering Sea at 0900AKST on the 12th weakened to 985 as it moved into the Central Interior on the 13th. A strong west to southwest flow aloft transported significant amounts of moisture across the central portions of the interior, with the highest amounts in the Fairbanks area.

Zone 216: Eight to ten inches of snow was received. The Co-operative Observer at Ruby reported 8 inches of snow on the morning of the 13th, and an unofficial report at Galena stated 8 to 10 inches had fallen during the same time.

Zone 221: Approximately 11 inches of snow was received at Nenana, as reported by a Storm Spotter.

Zone 222: Snow began in the Fairbanks area in the early morning hours of the 12th and continued until around 1500AKST on the 13th. The snow fell heavily at times, especially during the evening hours on the 12th and again during the early morning hours on the 13th. Storm totals ranged from 9 to 14 inches. A total of 11.9 inches of snow was observed at the Fairbanks International Airport. A total of 9.5 inches was observed on the 12th. This amount set a new daily snowfall record for December 12th. The previous record was 5.7 inches which was set in 1972. Area schools were canceled on the 13th due to heavy snow and difficult driving conditions.

Zone 223: The Co-operative Observer on the Salcha River at 25 mile reported 8 inches of snow in the 24 hours ending at 0900AKST on the 13th.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 423416. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.