Winter Storm — Glacier Bay, Alaska

2013-11-21 to 2013-11-22 · Glacier Bay, Alaska

Event narrative

Snow dump for Gustavus and Glacier Bay. Storm total 20 inches downtown Gustavus and 30 inches new snow for the Glacier Bay National Park area near Bartlett Cove.

Wider weather episode

Arctic air had persisted over SE Alaska for nearly a week when the flow aloft changed to SW and warm moist air began to lift over the Panhandle on 11/21. The arctic front was pushed slowly northward on 11/21 through 11/22 which became the focus of heavy snow. As the snow changed to rain, precipitation became freezing rain in a few locations. Strong winds began on the 11/22 though 11/23 with a switch over to rain. Temperatures warmed rapidly causing the snow pack to become very difficult to manage. This storm was notable in that the snowfall, freezing rain, and wind problems were widespread.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 478692. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.