Heavy Snow — Haines Borough and Lynn Canal, Alaska

2020-04-08 · Haines Borough and Lynn Canal, Alaska

Event narrative

Spotters and the COOP Observer in the Haines area measured 6 to 7.5 inches of wet snow before it changed to rain. Along the hillside, up to 320 feet in elevation, measurements of 10 to 13 inches were reported. Haines Customs measured 5.5 inches.

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 875448. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.