Winter Storm — Salisbury Sound To Cape Fairweather Coastal Area, Alaska

2013-11-21 to 2013-11-22 · Salisbury Sound To Cape Fairweather Coastal Area, Alaska

Event narrative

Pelican got 5.6 inches during the first part of the storm, but just down the Inlet 24 inches of new snow was measured on the afternoon of 11/21. Elfin Cove got 16 inches storm total.

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 478694. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.