High Wind — Nern P.w. Snd, Alaska

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

Event narrative

The wind sensor in Thompson Pass measured 77 mph. Reports from DOT personnel confirmed that snow drifting across the highway in Valdez town required the use of pilot cars to keep the roads open.

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 881682. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.