Blizzard — Northern Arctic Coast, Alaska

2015-02-25 · Northern Arctic Coast, Alaska

Wider weather episode

A pressure gradient between low pressure northwest of Barrow and High pressure over southern Alaska produced strong winds on the North Slope on 25th of February. Blizzard conditions were observed along the North Slope. Snow and blowing snow continued into the evening hours of the 25th.

Zone 201: Blizzard conditions were likely at Wainwright, according to the ASOS. The visibility was reduced to one quarter mile or less in snow and blowing snow. There was a peak wind gust of 41 kt (47 mph) at the Wainwright ASOS. There was a peak wind gust of 59 kt (67 mph) at Cape Lisburne.

Zone 202: Blizzard conditions were observed at the Barrow ASOS. The visibility was reduced to one quarter mile or less in snow and blowing snow. There was a peak wind gust of 37 kt (43 mph) at the Barrow ASOS. Barrow schools were closed due to low visibility.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 566829. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.