Winter Storm Watch 6, NWS Fairbanks, AK

Northern Alaska Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
235 PM AKST Fri Mar 5 2021

.SYNOPSIS...

A stalled front over the Central Interior will keep light snow
over that area through this evening before falling apart as it
tries to move east. Some flurries and light snow showers will
shift east, but coverage will be limited given the south flow
aloft.

Attention really turns to a low pressure system moving into the
Norton Sound and Yukon Delta area tomorrow, bringing snow and
blowing snow for a brief period as it moves through. A major storm
is expected to move into the West Coast on Sunday and Sunday into
early Monday, bringing potential blizzard conditions and heavy
snow. This front shifts inland through midweek, bringing snow to
much of the Interior as well.

&&

.DISCUSSION...

Upper Levels and Analysis...
There is a very deep 475 dam upper level trough over Eastern
Siberia and this feature is effectively the anchor for the weather
pattern. The front which brought blizzard conditions to the West
Coast yesterday has weakened and moved into the Central Interior
bringing some light snow. There is another low forming in the
Gulf of Alaska which will act to "shut off" much of the light
snow over the Central Interior as energy transitions south.

West Coast and Western Interior...
Gusty southeast winds are still occuring over the Capes and along
the Chukchi Sea Coast, which is resulting in areas of blowing and
drifting snow. Some snow showers are also continuing along Norton
Sound coastlines in southerly flow, which will continue through
tomorrow morning.

Attention turns to fast moving low which will move through Norton
Sound and the Yukon Delta tomorrow, bringing snow and blowing snow
to the Yukon Delta and into parts of Norton Sound. Some minor
blowing and drifting snow hazards are possible with east to
southeast winds of 15-30 mph. Snow will generally be less than a
few inches.

The next attention grabber is a major storm which is still on
track for the West Coast Sunday and early Monday, which will bring
heavy snow and near blizzard to full on blizzard conditions to
many areas. This storm will have warmer temps than the last, but
heavier snowfall for some locations including Nome. Blizzard
watches and winter storm watches will be issued with this
forecast. Stay tuned...

Central and Eastern Interior...
High and dry for most of the Interior with light snow over the
Central Interior ending this evening. A chance for light snow will
move into the Central Interior from the AK Range north to the
White Mountains tomorrow, with minimal if any snow accumulations.

Attention turns to Chinook warming and increasing AK Range winds
on Monday as a strong front approaches from the west. Temps will
shoot up to near freezing for some areas of the Interior,
especially those close to the AK Range. Also, strong south winds
will build as +10 mb pressure gradient forms by Monday for
Windy/Isabel Passes.

North Slope and Brooks Range...
Mostly dry and periodic clouds but otherwise quiet weather on the
Slope. Temps have rebounded nicely over the Western Arctic Coast
with warm air advection aloft.

Winds really ramp up along the entire north slope from the
southeast beginning Sunday morning and moving eastward Sunday
night. Expect areas of blowing and drifting snow as long as
significant gap winds from the south through the AK Range.

Coastal Hazard Potential Days 3 and 4...None.

&&

.AFG WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...

Winter Storm Watch for AKZ207-AKZ208-AKZ209-AKZ210-AKZ211-AKZ212-
AKZ213-AKZ214.

Brisk Wind Advisory for PKZ210-PKZ215-PKZ220-PKZ225.

&&

AHSENMACHER MAR 21