Blizzard in Central Beaufort Sea Coast, Alaska

A low pressure trough moving across the Arctic North Slope coupled with a 1045 mb high pressure center over the high Arctic created a strong pressure gradient over the eastern North Slope, providing strong winds and blizzard conditions from the early morning hours of February 12th through the most of the day of the 14th. Barrow schools were closed on the 12th.

Zone 201: Blizzard conditions were observed at the Wainwright ASOS. The visibility was reduced to one quarter mile or less in snow and blowing snow for several days. A peak wind of 43 kt (49 mph) was reported.

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 for several days. A peak wind of 40 kt (46 mph) was reported. Barrow schools were closed on the 12th.

Zone 203: Blizzard conditions were observed at the Deadhorse ASOS. The visibility was reduced to one quarter mile or less in snow and blowing snow for several days. A peak wind of 46 kt (53 mph) was reported.

Zone 204: Blizzard conditions were observed at the Point Thomson AWOS. The visibility was reduced to one quarter mile or less in snow and blowing snow for several days. A peak wind of 53 kt (61 mph) was reported.