Blizzard — Alaska Peninsula, Alaska

2021-01-16 to 2021-01-17 · Alaska Peninsula, Alaska

Event narrative

The FAA AWOS at King Cove, AK reported visibilities under one-quarter mile for nearly 14 hours (10:10 on 1/1 to 23:37 on 1/16). Continuous wind observations were not available from this event, however data from surrounding sites indicate that wind criteria were met. A prolonged period of Blizzard conditions were also reported at Cold Bay (PACD) and King Cove (PAKF), with a prolonged period reduced to 1/2SM at Sand Point, AK (PASD).

Wider weather episode

A very active winter weather pattern from January 16 to 18, 2021 brought impactful winter weather to much of Southern Alaska. Blizzard, High Wind, and Winter Storm Warnings were posted over a 1000 mile area from the tip of the Alaska Peninsula to the Canadian Border. This included a Blizzard Warning for the Alaska Peninsula, the first for that area since December 2019.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 932166. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.