Winter Storm — Inner Channels From Kupreanof Island To Etolin Island, Alaska

2013-11-21 to 2013-11-22 · Inner Channels From Kupreanof Island To Etolin Island, Alaska

Event narrative

Storm total snowfall for the Petersburg, Kake and Wrangell areas ranged from 7 to 15 inches. Rain switched over early on 11/22 and the strong wind began.

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 478698. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.