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

2013-11-20 to 2013-11-21 · Cape Decision To Salisbury Sound Coastal Area, Alaska

Event narrative

New snowfall 5 inches through the morning of 11/21 at Port Alexander. Deer Lake E. Baranof Island reported 1 ft new snow storm total at elevation 400 ft. The hatchery staff heard several slides but don't know the location or specifics. Snow turned to rain by around 11 am. Public report 6 to 8 inches new snow (estimated) 5 mi SE of Sitka as of 1100 on 11/21. New snowfall 2-4 inches in Sitka Fire Department on 11/21.

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 479210. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.