Blizzard — Upper Koyukuk Valley, Alaska

2004-02-08 · Upper Koyukuk Valley, Alaska

Wider weather episode

A low pressure center moved north over the western Alaska Peninsula and produced a strong pressure gradient over mainland Alaska, aided by strong high pressure over the Arctic Ocean. Colder air residing over the North Slope created extreme wind chill readings as winds increased through Brooks Range passes and in local areas. Blizzard conditions were reported at:Zone 211: GolovinZone 214: Cape Romanzof. Emmonak came close to blizzard conditions.Zone 219: Indian MountainHigh winds were reported at:Zone 226: Army Mesonet site named Texas Range: peak gusts to 56 knots (64 mph).Extreme Wind Chills were reported at:Zone 201: Point Lay : -75 F; Wainwright -66 FZOne 206: Anaktuvuk Pass: -65 F

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5381455. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.