Heavy Snow — Taiya Inlet and Klondike Highway, Alaska

2020-04-08 · Taiya Inlet and Klondike Highway, Alaska

Event narrative

Spotters and COOPs in Skagway and Dyea measured 10 to 12.5 inches of snow. The Klondike Highway was closed around noon by DOT and they measured 8 inches near sea level and up to 20 inches at the pass.

Wider weather episode

Low pressure moved NE into the northern Gulf of Alaska. The associated warm front and long fetch of moisture reached the panhandle during the nighttime hours, causing heavy snow over the Yakutat, Haines and Skagway areas. Dry air in place ahead of the system allowed temperatures to cool enough for snow. Strong southerly winds blew through the Juneau area Wednesday morning and changed the snow to rain in the afternoon for the northern areas.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 875447. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.