Winter Storm — Misty Fjords, Alaska

2015-02-05 to 2015-02-06 · Misty Fjords, Alaska

Event narrative

Storm total (new snow) 21 inches for Hyder. No damage reported.

Wider weather episode

A second major wind storm hit Southeast Alaska beginning on the evening of Wednesday February 4th. Strong arctic high pressure built over the Yukon Territory as a significant gale force low developed off the WA/OR coast. By the evening of Thursday February 5th the high had built to 1038 MB while the low had deepened to storm force 966 MB over Haida Gwaii. This caused extreme surface pressure gradients in the channels over the entire Panhandle and an arctic front from Cape Spencer to Petersburg. Classical Taku wind conditions persisted for Downtown Juneau and Douglas through Thursday night into Friday.

There were many wind speed observations in excess of 100 MPH, and damage was reported. Also, heavy snow developed over the arctic front and winter storm watches and warnings were issued well in advance. Brief Blizzard conditions occurred over the Klondike Highway, and a number of high wind warnings were issued well in advance of this storm.

Extensive decision support services were conducted by the Juneau Forecast Office. All concerned emergency managers across the region were directly contacted either in person of by phone for briefings. The Alaska Department of Transportation was directly contacted about the hazardous white-out conditions at White Pass and the

potential for snow removal in the central Panhandle. The Alaska Marine Highway (ferries) were briefed two days in advance of this event and some routes were cancelled due to the hurricane force winds, giant wind waves - one report to 20 FT on Inside waters! - and heavy freezing spray.

There was significant damage to windows and windshields and power outages during this storm. As previously stated, ferry service was canceled and also airline schedules were disrupted. Freezing spray iced over some marine observations which were out of service for a few days until there was a thaw. Snow removal was easier than usual due to the snow being fluff.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 562234. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.