Heavy Snow — Susitna Valley, Alaska

2020-11-30 · Susitna Valley, Alaska

Event narrative

Alaska DOT reported 4 to 6 inches of snowfall at Chulitna, AK. Further south at the Eagle Song Lodge, 25 mi SW of Willow, AK, a trained spotter reported 10 inches of new snow with snowfall rates exceeding 1 inch per hour.

These snowfall reports occurred in November and December, as snowfall began on November 30, and continued in most areas until the afternoon of December 1st.

Wider weather episode

A North Pacific Low approaching the South Mainland of Alaska brought an early season heavy snow event to many areas of the Susitna Valley. While this area can be accustomed to heavy snowfall, and is popular for winter recreating, heavy snow in the first week of November was unusual.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 930548. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.