Blizzard — Nern P.w. Snd, Alaska

2020-03-04 to 2020-03-05 · Nern P.w. Snd, Alaska

Event narrative

Alaska DOT closed the highway through Thompson Pass due to high winds, heavy drifting, and whiteout conditions.

Wider weather episode

Low pressure in Prince William Sound combined with a building high pressure system over Alaska's Interior to increase the pressure gradient through the Chugach Range along the north Gulf Coast. This led to high winds through northerly passes along Prince William Sound. Several transient troughs moved across the area, contributing falling snow to create blizzard conditions in Thompson Pass.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 881665. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.