Heavy Snow — S. Slopes of Ern Brooks Range, Alaska

2003-11-08 · S. Slopes of Ern Brooks Range, Alaska

Wider weather episode

A 970 mb low pressure center developed in the north Bering Sea on the 7th, moved over the west coast of Alaska on the 8th, and weakened greatly by the morning of the 9th east of Kotzebue. The storm system brought strong winds to Norton Sound which produced coastal flooding at:Zone 211: Golovin: some boats and motors were washed away.Zone 212: - Unalakleet: The gabion wall protecting the city was damaged in several locations. Some damage occurred to the airport near the end closest to the shore; debris was washed up onto the runway as well. The primary waterline from the water source was exposed thus susceptible to freezing. Two roads were shut down during the event due to the water washing logs onto them. One road had a 50 yard stretch with 2 feet of water over it. During the night several people were evacuated to higher ground. The sea water flooded the flats around the town, to within 15 feet of the power plant. A bridge had water to within 2 feet of it's top. - Elim: The road to Moses Point was damaged in two areas. There was individual losses of boats, fishing racks, fishing nets.- Stebbins: Houses were flooded and post office had water up to the door. Main Street was underwater. Water all receded with no significant damage.Zone 213: Gambell on Saint Lawrence Island: An abandoned landfill was exposed, posing a health concern.Zone 214: Kotlik: Boardwalk was damaged.A strong weather front associated with the storm moved northeast over Alaska and produced heavy snow over the northeastern interior.Zone 218 - Snow began on the 8th around 1000 AST (estimated) and reached 6.0 inches by 1500 AST (estimated) on the 8th. Wiseman Co-op Observer reported 10.0 inches of snow.Zone 219 - Snow began on the 8th around 0300 AST and reached 6.0 inches around 1400 AST on the 8th. Bettles Co-op Observer reported 6.5 inches of snow; Jim River State of Alaska Highway Maintenance station reported 7.0 inches of snow.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5335277. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.