Alert archive / Alaska / Blizzard Warnings in 2023

Blizzard Warning 6, NWS Anchorage, AK

February 26, 2023

NWS Anchorage, AK issued this blizzard warning at Feb 26, 2023, 3:26 PM AKST. It took effect at Feb 27, 2023, 6:00 PM AKST. It was in force for 12 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Feb 26, 2023, 3:26 PM AKST (00:26 UTC)
In effect from
Feb 27, 2023, 6:00 PM AKST
Expired
Feb 28, 2023, 6:00 AM AKST
In force
12 hr
Issued by
NWS Anchorage, AK

The text

As transmitted.

703 
WWAK42 PAFC 270026
WSWALU

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
326 PM AKST Sun Feb 26 2023

AKZ155-271500-
/O.UPG.PAFC.WW.Y.0022.230228T0300Z-230228T1500Z/
/O.NEW.PAFC.BZ.W.0006.230228T0300Z-230228T1500Z/
Kuskokwim Delta-
Including the cities of Bethel and Nunivak Island
326 PM AKST Sun Feb 26 2023

...BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM MONDAY TO 6 AM AKST
TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of
  6 to 10 inches. Locally higher amounts over Nunivak Island. Winds
  gusting as high as 55 mph in combination with snow will reduce 
  visibilities to one quarter mile near the coast and over Nunivak
  Island.

* WHERE...Kuskokwim Delta.

* WHEN...From 6 PM Monday to 6 AM AKST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on difficult travel conditions. Areas of blowing
  snow could significantly reduce visibility and create snow 
  drifts. The cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero could cause
  frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are
expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds
and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout
conditions, making travel very hazardous. If you must travel,
have a winter survival kit with you.If you get stranded, stay
with your vehicle. 

&&

$$

AKZ152-271500-
/O.NEW.PAFC.WW.Y.0023.230228T1200Z-230301T0300Z/
Lower Kuskokwim Valley-
Including the cities of Aniak and Sleetmute
326 PM AKST Sun Feb 26 2023

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 6 PM AKST
TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations
  of 6 to 12 inches with locally higher amounts expected. Winds 
  gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Lower Kuskokwim Valley.

* WHEN...From 3 AM to 6 PM AKST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing
  snow could significantly reduce visibility and create snow 
  drifts. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. The cold 
  wind chills as low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on 
  exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.



PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

&&

$$

AKZ161-271500-
/O.NEW.PAFC.WW.Y.0023.230228T0900Z-230301T0000Z/
Bristol Bay-
Including the cities of King Salmon, Dillingham, Naknek, 
and Pilot Point
326 PM AKST Sun Feb 26 2023

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT MONDAY NIGHT
TO 3 PM AKST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations
  of 7 to 14 inches with locally higher amounts are expected. 
  Winds gusting as high as 50 mph in combination with snow will 
  reduce visibilities to one half mile.

* WHERE...Bristol Bay.

* WHEN...From midnight Monday night to 3 PM AKST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow
  could significantly reduce visibility and create snow drifts. 


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

&&

$$

AKZ195-271500-
/O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0021.000000T0000Z-230227T1800Z/
Pribilof Islands-
Including the city of Saint Paul
326 PM AKST Sun Feb 26 2023

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM AKST
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Snow and blowing snow. Additional snow accumulations of 
  4 to 6 inches. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph in combination 
  with snow will reduce visibilities to one half mile.

* WHERE...Pribilof Islands.

* WHEN...Until 9 AM AKST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on difficult travel conditions. Areas of blowing
  snow could significantly reduce visibility and create snow drifts.
  


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

&&

$$

http://www.weather.gov/afc
5 follow-up statements
348 
WWAK42 PAFC 271243
WSWALU

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
343 AM AKST Mon Feb 27 2023

AKZ155-280200-
/O.CON.PAFC.BZ.W.0006.230228T0300Z-230228T1500Z/
Kuskokwim Delta-
Including the cities of Bethel and Nunivak Island
343 AM AKST Mon Feb 27 2023

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO
6 AM AKST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations 
  of 6 to 10 inches. Locally higher amounts over Nunivak Island. 
  Winds gusting as high as 55 mph in combination with snow will 
  reduce visibilities to one quarter mile near the coast and 
  over Nunivak Island.

* WHERE...Kuskokwim Delta.

* WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to 6 AM AKST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on difficult travel conditions. Areas of 
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility and create 
  snow drifts. The cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 
  minutes.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are
expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds
and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout
conditions, making travel very hazardous. If you must travel,
have a winter survival kit with you.If you get stranded, stay
with your vehicle.

&&

$$

AKZ152-280200-
/O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0023.230228T1200Z-230301T0300Z/
Lower Kuskokwim Valley-
Including the cities of Aniak and Sleetmute
343 AM AKST Mon Feb 27 2023

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 6 PM
AKST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow 
  accumulations of 6 to 12 inches with locally higher amounts 
  expected. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Lower Kuskokwim Valley.

* WHEN...From 3 AM to 6 PM AKST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility and create snow 
  drifts. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. The cold 
  wind chills as low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on 
  exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

&&

$$

AKZ161-280200-
/O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0023.230228T0900Z-230301T0000Z/
Bristol Bay-
Including the cities of King Salmon, Dillingham, Naknek, 
and Pilot Point
343 AM AKST Mon Feb 27 2023

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT
TONIGHT TO 3 PM AKST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow 
  accumulations of 7 to 14 inches with locally higher amounts 
  are expected. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph in combination 
  with snow will reduce visibilities to one half mile.

* WHERE...Bristol Bay.

* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 3 PM AKST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility and create snow 
  drifts.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

&&

$$

AKZ195-271800-
/O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0021.000000T0000Z-230227T1800Z/
Pribilof Islands-
Including the city of Saint Paul
343 AM AKST Mon Feb 27 2023

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM AKST THIS
MORNING...

* WHAT...Snow and blowing snow. Additional snow accumulations of 
  4 to 6 inches. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph in combination 
  with snow will reduce visibilities to one half mile.

* WHERE...Pribilof Islands.

* WHEN...Until 9 AM AKST this morning.

* IMPACTS...Plan on difficult travel conditions. Areas of 
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility and create 
  snow drifts.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

&&

$$

http://www.weather.gov/afc
030 
WWAK42 PAFC 271804
WSWALU

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
904 AM AKST Mon Feb 27 2023

AKZ195-271915-
/O.EXP.PAFC.WW.Y.0021.000000T0000Z-230227T1800Z/
Pribilof Islands-
Including the city of Saint Paul
904 AM AKST Mon Feb 27 2023

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY HAS EXPIRED...

Visibility will continue to improve throughout the day as
temperatures warm and the snow changes to rain.  

$$

AKZ155-280715-
/O.CON.PAFC.BZ.W.0006.230228T0300Z-230228T1500Z/
Kuskokwim Delta-
Including the cities of Bethel and Nunivak Island
904 AM AKST Mon Feb 27 2023

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO
6 AM AKST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations 
  of 6 to 10 inches. Locally higher amounts over Nunivak Island. 
  Winds gusting as high as 55 mph in combination with snow will 
  reduce visibilities to one quarter mile near the coast and 
  over Nunivak Island.

* WHERE...Kuskokwim Delta.

* WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to 6 AM AKST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on difficult travel conditions. Areas of 
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility and create 
  snow drifts. The cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 
  minutes.



PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are
expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds
and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout
conditions, making travel very hazardous. If you must travel,
have a winter survival kit with you.If you get stranded, stay
with your vehicle. 

&&

$$

AKZ152-280715-
/O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0023.230228T1200Z-230301T0300Z/
Lower Kuskokwim Valley-
Including the cities of Aniak and Sleetmute
904 AM AKST Mon Feb 27 2023

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 6 PM
AKST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow 
  accumulations of 6 to 12 inches with locally higher amounts 
  expected. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Lower Kuskokwim Valley.

* WHEN...From 3 AM to 6 PM AKST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility and create snow 
  drifts. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. The cold 
  wind chills as low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on 
  exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.



PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

&&

$$

AKZ161-280715-
/O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0023.230228T0900Z-230301T0000Z/
Bristol Bay-
Including the cities of King Salmon, Dillingham, Naknek, 
and Pilot Point
904 AM AKST Mon Feb 27 2023

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT
TONIGHT TO 3 PM AKST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow 
  accumulations of 7 to 14 inches with locally higher amounts 
  are expected. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph in combination 
  with snow will reduce visibilities to one half mile.

* WHERE...Bristol Bay.

* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 3 PM AKST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility and create snow 
  drifts.



PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

&&

$$

http://www.weather.gov/afc
121 
WWAK42 PAFC 280015
WSWALU

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
315 PM AKST Mon Feb 27 2023

AKZ155-281500-
/O.CON.PAFC.BZ.W.0006.230228T0300Z-230228T1500Z/
Kuskokwim Delta-
Including the cities of Bethel and Nunivak Island
315 PM AKST Mon Feb 27 2023

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO
6 AM AKST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations 
  of 6 to 10 inches. Locally higher amounts over Nunivak Island. 
  Winds gusting as high as 55 mph in combination with snow will 
  reduce visibilities to one quarter mile near the coast and 
  over Nunivak Island.

* WHERE...Kuskokwim Delta.

* WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to 6 AM AKST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on difficult travel conditions. Areas of 
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility and create 
  snow drifts. The cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 
  minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are
expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds
and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout
conditions, making travel very hazardous. If you must travel,
have a winter survival kit with you.If you get stranded, stay
with your vehicle. 

&&

$$

AKZ152-281500-
/O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0023.230228T1200Z-230301T0300Z/
Lower Kuskokwim Valley-
Including the cities of Aniak and Sleetmute
315 PM AKST Mon Feb 27 2023

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 6 PM
AKST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow 
  accumulations of 6 to 12 inches with locally higher amounts 
  expected. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Lower Kuskokwim Valley.

* WHEN...From 3 AM to 6 PM AKST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility and create snow 
  drifts. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. The cold 
  wind chills as low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on 
  exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

&&

$$

AKZ161-281500-
/O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0023.230228T0900Z-230301T0000Z/
Bristol Bay-
Including the cities of King Salmon, Dillingham, Naknek, 
and Pilot Point
315 PM AKST Mon Feb 27 2023

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT
TONIGHT TO 3 PM AKST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow 
  accumulations of 7 to 14 inches with locally higher amounts 
  are expected. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph in combination 
  with snow will reduce visibilities to one half mile.

* WHERE...Bristol Bay.

* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 3 PM AKST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility and create snow 
  drifts.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

&&

$$

http://www.weather.gov/afc
026 
WWAK42 PAFC 281252
WSWALU

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
352 AM AKST Tue Feb 28 2023

AKZ155-281500-
/O.CON.PAFC.BZ.W.0006.000000T0000Z-230228T1500Z/
Kuskokwim Delta-
Including the cities of Bethel and Nunivak Island
352 AM AKST Tue Feb 28 2023

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM AKST EARLY THIS
MORNING...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations 
  of 6 to 10 inches. Locally higher amounts over Nunivak Island. 
  Winds gusting as high as 55 mph in combination with snow will 
  reduce visibilities to one quarter mile near the coast and 
  over Nunivak Island.

* WHERE...Kuskokwim Delta.

* WHEN...Until 6 AM AKST early this morning.

* IMPACTS...Plan on difficult travel conditions. Areas of 
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility and create 
  snow drifts. The cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 
  minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are
expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds
and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout
conditions, making travel very hazardous. If you must travel,
have a winter survival kit with you.If you get stranded, stay
with your vehicle.

&&

$$

AKZ152-010200-
/O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0023.000000T0000Z-230301T0300Z/
Lower Kuskokwim Valley-
Including the cities of Aniak and Sleetmute
352 AM AKST Tue Feb 28 2023

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM AKST THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow 
  accumulations of 6 to 12 inches with locally higher amounts 
  expected. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Lower Kuskokwim Valley.

* WHEN...Until 6 PM AKST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility and create snow 
  drifts. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. The cold 
  wind chills as low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on 
  exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

&&

$$

AKZ161-010000-
/O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0023.000000T0000Z-230301T0000Z/
Bristol Bay-
Including the cities of King Salmon, Dillingham, Naknek, 
and Pilot Point
352 AM AKST Tue Feb 28 2023

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM AKST THIS
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow 
  accumulations of 7 to 14 inches with locally higher amounts 
  are expected. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph in combination 
  with snow will reduce visibilities to one half mile.

* WHERE...Bristol Bay.

* WHEN...Until 3 PM AKST this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility and create snow 
  drifts.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

&&

$$

http://www.weather.gov/afc
738 
WWAK42 PAFC 281455
WSWALU

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
555 AM AKST Tue Feb 28 2023

AKZ155-281600-
/O.EXP.PAFC.BZ.W.0006.000000T0000Z-230228T1500Z/
Kuskokwim Delta-
Including the cities of Bethel and Nunivak Island
555 AM AKST Tue Feb 28 2023

...BLIZZARD WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 6 AM AKST EARLY THIS MORNING...

Conditions have improved above warning criteria. Gusty winds and
light snow will persist and blowing snow may reduce visibilities
at times. 

$$

AKZ152-010300-
/O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0023.000000T0000Z-230301T0300Z/
Lower Kuskokwim Valley-
Including the cities of Aniak and Sleetmute
555 AM AKST Tue Feb 28 2023

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM AKST THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow 
  accumulations of 6 to 12 inches with locally higher amounts 
  expected. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Lower Kuskokwim Valley.

* WHEN...Until 6 PM AKST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility and create snow 
  drifts. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. The cold 
  wind chills as low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on 
  exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

&&

$$

AKZ161-010000-
/O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0023.000000T0000Z-230301T0000Z/
Bristol Bay-
Including the cities of King Salmon, Dillingham, Naknek, 
and Pilot Point
555 AM AKST Tue Feb 28 2023

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM AKST THIS
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow 
  accumulations of 7 to 14 inches with locally higher amounts 
  are expected. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph in combination 
  with snow will reduce visibilities to one half mile.

* WHERE...Bristol Bay.

* WHEN...Until 3 PM AKST this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility and create snow 
  drifts.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

&&

$$

http://www.weather.gov/afc

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this blizzard warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Anchorage, AK wrote its last area forecast discussion before this blizzard warning went out at Feb 26, 5:36 AM AKST, 9 hours 50 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Feb 26, 5:36 AM AKST, 9 hours 50 minutes before
Southcentral and Southwest Alaska Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
536 AM AKST Sun Feb 26 2023

.ANALYSIS AND UPPER LEVELS...

A low amplitude ridge exists from the Western Bering to the
Western Gulf with the core of the estimated 150+ kt jet spreading
from Shemya to the Alaska Peninsula. This ridging, northwest flow
and subsequent drying off the Alaska Range has lead to a very dry
airmass over Southcentral. As such, temperatures have dropped
significantly overnight for most areas underneath clear skies and
light winds. However, pockets of fog and low stratus have also
developed from Trapper Creek south into the Anchorage Bowl and
Knik Arm area. Gap winds continue through Seward, Whittier and
Valdez.

Out west, a shortwave trough riding over the ridge has produced
some light snow from the Kuskokwim Delta to southern Bristol Bay.
A warm front also extends from the Western Aleutians to Unalaska.

&&

.MODEL DISCUSSION...

Overall model agreement is moderate in the immediate short term
but begins to diverge Monday as a strong system moves into the
Western Bering. There's significant differences in the shape,
meso-low development and depth of the low as it goes through the
occlusion process over the Western to Central Bering through
Tuesday. The other difference of note is the thermodynamic profile
over the Alaska Peninsula on Tuesday, with the two American models
moving +0C air over the area at 850mb and the foreign models
keeping it much cooler with the occlusion farther to the south.
Winds moving through the terrain would likely make for rain from
King Salmon south regardless, but this still creates some
uncertainty in the forecast for that area. Models then converge
back to a general consensus on the development of a low at the
triple point near the Barren Islands, but significant timing
differences remain which will impact the snow forecast for
Southcentral.

&&

.AVIATION...

PANC...Fog and low stratus have developed in the Susitna Valley
and along the Knik Arm. Currently the stratus is confined to east
and north of the Terminal, but it may move back in over the
terminal and lower to fog later in the morning. IFR conditions
would likely develop should this occur. Otherwise, VFR conditions
and light winds will persist.

&&

.SHORT TERM FORECAST SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA (Days 1 through 3:
Sunday through Tuesday night)...

Gusty gap winds along the Southcentral coast will continue today
due the strong pressure gradient between a building ridge over
the interior and a trough over the northern and eastern Gulf of
Alaska. A weak shortwave moving across Southcentral this morning,
embedded in the northwesterly flow aloft, will act to reinforce
the cold air advection and allow for a secondary peak of the gusty
winds through favored gap locations. These winds will finally begin
to subside Monday afternoon as the trough moves inland over
northern Canada and an upper-level ridge builds from the west.

With the current pattern in place, expect below normal
temperatures to continue across the region through Tuesday
morning. Skies are expected to remain mostly clear through the
next couple of days, as well. The exception to this will be areas
of stratus and fog lingering from Cook Inlet to the Mat-Su
Valleys and across portions of the Copper River Basin this
morning.

Attention then turns to a large area of low pressure developing
over the Bering Sea Monday pushing an occluded front over
Southwest Alaska for Tuesday. This front will bring snow,
transitioning to rain, for Kodiak Island Tuesday before lifting
toward the northern Gulf. As it moves north, a new surface low is
expected to spin up near the Barren Islands. This new area of low
pressure, along with the residual front, will bring widespread
snow to Southcentral, first to the Kenai Peninsula and Susitna
Valley for Tuesday morning, spreading east to Cordova, Valdez, and
the Copper river Basin by Tuesday afternoon. As the low slowly
moves parallel to the eastern Kenai coast, its attendant front
will move toward Prince William Sound. Strong easterly winds will
overspread the coastal waters, eventually working through favored
gaps across the Kenai Peninsula. The strong winds and snow will
combine to produce blowing snow for Whittier, Portage Valley, and
Turnagain Pass Tuesday afternoon and evening before the low moves
east and the winds begin to shift. Snow will continue for most
locations through Wednesday before tapering off from west to east
late Wednesday into early Thursday as the low moves to the Alaska
Panhandle. Gusty westerly winds in the wake of the low could
result in another round of blowing snow for the aforementioned
locations as well and Valdez and Thompson Pass for Wednesday into
Thursday.

The highest accumulations are expected across the eastern Kenai
Peninsula, especially at elevation and through Portage Valley,
Turnagain Pass, and Whittier. Significant accumulations are also
possible for the western Kenai Peninsula, across portions of the
Susitna Valley, and around Cordova. Several inches of snow are
also possible for Anchorage and the Matanuska Valley; however, an
initially strong cross-barrier flow could limit the amount of
moisture spilling over the mountains for a time on Tuesday. Once
the low moves east of Seward, however, snow is expected to fill in
for these locations. The amount of snow for Anchorage to Palmer
will likely be highly dependent on the track of the low and the
location of any deformation band.

While there is high confidence for widespread snow, there is
still some uncertainty in the track of the low, and, hence,
snowfall amounts for many locations across the region. Stay tuned
to future forecasts as we continue to monitor the situation and
refine the forecast.

&&

.SHORT TERM FORECAST SOUTHWEST ALASKA (Days 1 through 3: Tonight
through Tuesday)...

Two areas of snow showers are noted on radar this morning across
Southwest Alaska. The first is occurring over the Kuskokwim Delta
and in conjunction with the passage of a shortwave trough quickly
pushing eastward into the Kuskokwim Mountains. Visibility in
Bethel is less than six miles with lowered ceilings to around 2000
feet. This axis of snow will taper of from west to east through
the rest of the morning hours. The second area of snow is
occurring further south and across portions of Bristol Bay where
the remnants of an occluded low are slowly moving southeastward.
Like Bethel, the town of Dillingham is also experiencing reduced
visibility and lowered ceilings. Both areas should see snow
gradually come to an end over the next few hours. Behind the snow
a colder air mass remains forecast to filter southward into all of
Southwest through Monday with morning lows in the single digits
and lower across Bristol Bay. Meanwhile, much of the Kuskokwim
Delta and Lower Kuskokwim Valley are expected to cool to below
zero degrees through Monday morning.

Temperatures will begin to rebound Monday into Tuesday as the
next Bering front begins to slide into Southwest. A winter weather
advisory is in effect for the Kuskokwim Delta Monday evening
through Tuesday morning. Increasing winds associated with the
front and 4 to 8 inches of snow will impact coastal areas with
blowing snow and reduced visibilities down to one half mile.
Continued warming through Tuesday morning will eventually see snow
transition to rain, and the threat for blowing snow and reduced
visibility will come to an end. Areas expected to experience the
strongest winds and the greatest likelihood for blowing snow and
reduced visibility will stretch from Mekoryuk to Toksook Bay to
Kipnuk.

Precipitation associated with the front then spreads south and
west throughout the day on Tuesday as the front moves further
inland. Snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches are possible for the
Kuskokwim Valley and interior Bristol Bay. There is some
uncertainty in the precipitation type forecast for the Alaska
Peninsula south of King Salmon, with warmer air aloft and
southerly gap winds producing rain or mixed precipitation.

&&

.SHORT TERM FORECAST BERING SEA/ALEUTIANS (Days 1 through 3:
Tonight through Tuesday)...

The next Bering low is already bringing a warm front across the
Aleutians this morning. Temperatures are above freezing from
Shemya to Sand Point. As such, showery conditions will be
prevalent across much of the region through Monday. The Pribilof
Islands will remain north of the warmer air until Monday morning.
A winter weather advisory is in effect for snow and blowing snow
from 9AM Sunday through 9AM Monday. Thereafter, the warm front
will lift north of the Pribilofs and bring their temperatures to
above freezing as well. For the rest of Monday and into Tuesday
the Bering low is expected to deepen further while lifting into
the Chukchi Sea. Gale to storm force winds are likely over the
Western Aleutians late Monday with enhanced winds approaching the
Pribilof Islands by Monday night. Additionally, as the low lifts
northward, cold air on the backside of the low will wrap eastward
and across the Western Aleutians beginning as early as Monday
morning. Colder air will then filter eastward through the rest of
the Aleutian Chain through Tuesday. Widespread snow showers may
develop across the entire Aleutian Chain by late Tuesday as a
Kamchatka low tracks just north and along the Western and Central
Aleutians into Tuesday night. However, much more uncertainty
exists with the evolution of the Bering low and the potential
Kamchatka low on Tuesday.

&&

.LONG TERM FORECAST (Days 4 through 7: Wednesday through
Saturday)...

The defining synoptic feature by Wednesday morning is a low
situated about coastal Western Alaska, with another low formed at
the triple-point of the former in the western Gulf of Alaska. The
shape and placement of both the parental low and the triple-point
low are not well agreed upon by the deterministic models, however
discrepancies have diminished since yesterday's model runs.
Wednesday morning, the 12Z Canadian and Euro models have the low
center over coastal Southwest Alaska, with multiple defined
troughs producing higher winds along the AKPen and producing the
aforementioned triple-point low in the western Gulf. Wednesday
morning on the 12Z GFS, the low is still offshore from Southwest
Alaska, with less defined frontal boundaries, suggesting less
intense winds along the AKPen and the triple point low has yet to
spin up. However, Wednesday morning represented by the 12Z GFS
appears to bring a widespread potentially heavy precipitation,
likely snowfall, event across Southcentral and Southwest. Impacts
to population centers such as Anchorage is difficult to determine
currently however, downslope flow will likely play a part in
mitigating snowfall for the Anchorage Bowl. This precipitation
wave is not advertised to be as intense by the Canadian and Euro
models, so we will need to wait to obtain a better idea once the
models converge on a solution. By Wednesday afternoon, the GFS and
Canadian runs come much more in-line, consolidating the trough to
the low in the Gulf and producing strong westerly and offshore
winds as the low moved east of Prince William Sound.

Precipitation will diminish across Southcentral by Friday and into
the start of the weekend. Transient showers look to linger in
Southwest Alaska Thursday and Friday with a weak wave to move in
Saturday morning. A resurgence of gusty winds out of the southern
gaps and passes of the Eastern Aleutians, AKPen, and near the Barren
Island Friday. Out in the Bering, a gale force low entering the
Western Aleutians will support the potential for Storm-force
gusts, and mild precipitation as it tracks into the Central
Aleutians Thursday afternoon, before dipping out to the south,
creating the aforementioned resurgence of winds on Friday. By
Friday afternoon, a new low appears to enter the Western Bering
bringing a sweeping front into the Western Aleutians. By Saturday
morning, this sweeping front looks to possibly merge with a North
Pacific low approaching the Central Aleutians.

&&

.AFC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
PUBLIC...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY 155 195.
MARINE...HEAVY FREEZING SPRAY 119 121 26-130 139 141 160 412 413
180 181 185
STORM WARNING 177 178
GALE WARNING 130 131 175 176 179-181 185 411-414.
FIRE WEATHER...NONE.

&&

SYNOPSIS AND MODEL DISCUSSION...CJ
SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA...TM
SOUTHWEST ALASKA/BERING SEA/ALEUTIANS...BL
LONG TERM...CL

The office that day

Everything else NWS Anchorage, AK issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Feb 26, 3:26 PM AKSTWinter Weather AdvisoryAFC51 hr
Feb 26, 3:45 PM AKSTGale WarningAFC5 days
Feb 26, 3:45 PM AKSTStorm WarningAFC48 hr
Feb 26, 3:45 PM AKSTStorm WarningAFC48 hr
Feb 26, 3:52 PM AKSTWinter Storm WatchAFC25 hr
Feb 26, 4:17 PM AKSTSmall Craft AdvisoryAFC24 hr
Feb 27, 3:24 AM AKSTGale WarningAFC24 hr
Feb 27, 3:28 AM AKSTHeavy Freezing Spray WarningAFC5 days
Feb 27, 3:47 AM AKSTGale WarningAFC24 hr
Feb 27, 3:47 AM AKSTSmall Craft AdvisoryAFC24 hr
Feb 27, 3:47 AM AKSTHeavy Freezing Spray WarningAFC13 hr
Feb 27, 3:48 AM AKSTGale WarningAFC24 hr

Nearby

Blizzard Warnings in Alaska, 2023Every blizzard warning in 2023

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text.