High Wind in S. Slopes of Ern Brooks Range, Alaska

With a high pressure ridge over the inland North Slope of Alaska and weak low pressure over interior Alaska, a strong pressure gradient developed over Brooks Range passes on the night of the 6th and continued through the 7th. Wind gusts of 53 knots (61 mph) were reported by the State of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Camp at Chandalar near Atigun Pass. A portion of the Dalton Highway in and near Atigun Pass was completely closed due to high winds and drifting/blowing snow during the 6th; the highway was open to one lane by evening.