Alert archive / Alaska / Blizzard Warnings in 2025

Blizzard Warning 12, NWS Anchorage, AK

December 30, 2025Chugach Census Area, Alaska

NWS Anchorage, AK issued this blizzard warning at Dec 30, 2025, 3:57 AM AKST for Chugach Census Area, Alaska. It took effect at Dec 30, 2025, 11:00 AM AKST. It was in force for 17 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
Dec 30, 2025, 3:57 AM AKST (12:57 UTC)
In effect from
Dec 30, 2025, 11:00 AM AKST
Expired
Dec 31, 2025, 4:10 AM AKST
In force
17 hr
Issued by
NWS Anchorage, AK

County Chugach Census Area, AK

The radar

The Middleton Island radar (PAIH), 189 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 12:58 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Anchorage Iap/Pt. Campbe, (PANC), launched 12:00Z, 1.0 hours before the alert went out and 195 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Anchorage Iap/Pt. Campbe, at 12:00Z on 2025-12-30Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Anchorage Iap/Pt. Campbe, at 12:00Z on 2025-12-30The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 56 square meters per square second.1939Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
952 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
15 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
56 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
183 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

746 
WWAK41 PAFC 301257
WSWAER

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
357 AM AKST Tue Dec 30 2025

AKZ725-301400-
/O.CAN.PAFC.WW.Y.0060.000000T0000Z-251230T1400Z/
Southern Kenai Mtns-
Including the cities of Seward
357 AM AKST Tue Dec 30 2025

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

Snow has ended in Seward bringing an end to widespread low 
visibilities. However, north winds gusting to 25 to 35 mph today 
will continue to produce areas of blowing snow.

$$

AKZ728-310130-
/O.NEW.PAFC.BZ.W.0012.251230T2000Z-251231T1500Z/
West Prince William Sound & Whittier-
Including the cities of Whittier and Chenega
357 AM AKST Tue Dec 30 2025

...BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 AM AKST 
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Visibility one-quarter mile 
  or less at times. West winds gusting 25 to 35 mph late this 
  morning increasing to 45 to 60 mph tonight.

* WHERE...Whittier.

* WHEN...From 11 AM this morning to 6 AM AKST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult, with white-out conditions at 
  times. Snow drifts will pose a hazard to walking and driving.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow will continue to fall this morning. As 
  snow tapers off mid to late morning westerly winds will begin to 
  strengthen. The dry and fluffy snow will be easily blown around, 
  resulting in low visibilities and drifts. Winds will strengthen 
  further this afternoon through tonight. There is some uncertainty 
  in when the really low visibilities will end. There is a chance 
  that blizzard conditions persist through the day Wednesday.

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.

For the latest road conditions call 5 1 1 or visit 511.alaska.gov.

&&

$$

AKZ732-310130-
/O.EXT.PAFC.WW.Y.0060.000000T0000Z-251231T0300Z/
Thompson Pass-
Including the cities of Thompson Pass
357 AM AKST Tue Dec 30 2025

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

* WHAT...Blowing snow. Visibility as low as one half mile at times. 
  Northeast winds gusting 35 to 50 mph.

* WHERE...Thompson Pass down to Keystone Canyon.

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

* IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...While snowfall will taper off early this 
  morning, blowing and drifting snow along the Richardson Highway 
  could continue to pose a hazard to those driving through the Pass. 
  Low visibilities are not expected to be widespread, but stronger 
  gusts of winds could lead to brief and temporary white-out 
  conditions when driving.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. For the latest road 
conditions call 5 1 1 or visit 511.alaska.gov.

&&

$$

AKZ771-302000-
/O.EXT.PAFC.WW.Y.0060.000000T0000Z-251230T2000Z/
Kodiak Island Northeast-
Including the cities of Kodiak City, Port Lions, and Ouzinkie
357 AM AKST Tue Dec 30 2025

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM AKST THIS 
MORNING...

* WHAT...Snow and blowing snow. Visibility as low as one half mile 
  at times. Additional snow accumulations up to 2 inches. North to 
  northwest winds gusting as high as 40 mph.

* WHERE...Northeast end of Kodiak Island, including Kodiak City. 

* WHEN...Until 11 AM AKST this morning.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult. 

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Bands of snow will continue to move off the 
  Gulf into the northeast end of Kodiak Island this morning. While 
  snow intensity is generally light, the falling snow combined with 
  strong and gusty winds will lead to brief low visibilities at 
  times. Snow will taper off by late this morning, through areas of 
  blowing and drifting snow will persist.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. For the latest road 
conditions call 5 1 1 or visit 511.alaska.gov.

&&

$$

Baines
3 follow-up statements
768 
WWAK41 PAFC 302006
WSWAER

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
1106 AM AKST Tue Dec 30 2025

AKZ732-302115-
/O.CAN.PAFC.WW.Y.0060.000000T0000Z-251231T0300Z/
Thompson Pass-
Including the cities of Thompson Pass
1106 AM AKST Tue Dec 30 2025

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

Snow has ended. Drifting snow may lead to local, intermittent 
reductions in visibility as gusty northeasterly winds continue today.

$$

AKZ771-302115-
/O.EXP.PAFC.WW.Y.0060.000000T0000Z-251230T2000Z/
Kodiak Island Northeast-
Including the cities of Ouzinkie, Kodiak City, and Port Lions
1106 AM AKST Tue Dec 30 2025

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY HAS EXPIRED...

Snow has tapered off and visibility has improved.

$$

AKZ728-310800-
/O.CON.PAFC.BZ.W.0012.000000T0000Z-251231T1500Z/
West Prince William Sound & Whittier-
Including the cities of Chenega and Whittier
1106 AM AKST Tue Dec 30 2025

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM AKST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions. Additional snow accumulations up to 
  one inch. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.

* WHERE...Whittier.

* WHEN...Until 6 AM AKST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult, with white-out conditions at 
  times. Snow drifts will pose a hazard to walking and driving.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Westerly winds will strengthen today, which 
  will allow dry and fluffy snow to be easily blown around, 
  resulting in low visibilities and drifts. Winds will strengthen 
  further through tonight. There is some uncertainty in when the 
  really low visibilities will end. There is a chance that blizzard 
  conditions persist through the day Wednesday.

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.

For the latest road conditions call 5 1 1 or visit 511.alaska.gov.

&&

$$

Quesada
411 
WWAK41 PAFC 310006
WSWAER

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
306 PM AKST Tue Dec 30 2025

AKZ728-311500-
/O.CON.PAFC.BZ.W.0012.000000T0000Z-251231T1500Z/
West Prince William Sound & Whittier-
Including the cities of Chenega and Whittier
306 PM AKST Tue Dec 30 2025

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM AKST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Visibility one-quarter mile 
  or less at times. West winds gusting 25 to 35 mph late this 
  morning increasing to 45 to 60 mph tonight.

* WHERE...Whittier.

* WHEN...Until 6 AM AKST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult, with white-out conditions at 
  times. Snow drifts will pose a hazard to walking and driving.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Westerly winds will strengthen this evening, 
  which will allow dry and fluffy snow to be easily blown around, 
  resulting in low visibilities and drifts. There is some 
  uncertainty in when the really low visibilities will end. There is 
  a chance that blizzard conditions persist through the day 
  Wednesday.

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.

For the latest road conditions call 5 1 1 or visit 511.alaska.gov.

&&

$$

AKZ732-311530-
/O.NEW.PAFC.WW.Y.0061.251231T1000Z-260101T0300Z/
Thompson Pass-
Including the cities of Thompson Pass
306 PM AKST Tue Dec 30 2025

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 6 PM AKST 
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Blowing snow expected. Visibilities reduced to one half 
  mile or less at times. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 3 
  inches. Winds gusting as high as 60 to 70 mph. Very cold wind 
  chills as low as 45 below zero.

* WHERE...Thompson Pass.

* WHEN...From 1 AM to 6 PM AKST Wednesday.

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

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Light snowfall is forecast to return to 
  Thompson Pass after midnight. Visibility will be reduced to one 
  half mile or less at times for as long as snow is falling on 
  Wednesday. Snow tapers off Wednesday evening, allowing 
  visibilities to improve. Drifting snow will continue to produce 
  intermittent low visibilities as strong winds continue into 
  Thursday (New Year's Day).

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. For the latest road 
conditions call 5 1 1 or visit 511.alaska.gov.

&&

$$

Quesada
927 
WWAK41 PAFC 311310
WSWAER

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
410 AM AKST Wed Dec 31 2025

AKZ728-311415-
/O.CAN.PAFC.BZ.W.0012.000000T0000Z-251231T1500Z/
West Prince William Sound & Whittier-
Including the cities of Whittier and Chenega
410 AM AKST Wed Dec 31 2025

...BLIZZARD WARNING IS CANCELLED...

Visibility has improved and the blizzard threat has ended.

$$

AKZ732-010300-
/O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0061.000000T0000Z-260101T0300Z/
Thompson Pass-
Including the cities of Thompson Pass
410 AM AKST Wed Dec 31 2025

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

* WHAT...Blowing snow expected. Visibilities reduced to one half 
  mile or less at times. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 3 
  inches. Winds gusting as high as 60 to 70 mph. Very cold wind 
  chills as low as 45 below zero.

* WHERE...Thompson Pass.

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

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

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Visibility will be reduced to one half mile 
  or less at times for as long as snow is falling on Wednesday. Snow 
  is expected to taper off this evening, allowing visibilities to 
  improve. Drifting snow will continue to produce intermittent low 
  visibilities as strong winds continue into Thursday (New Year's 
  Day).

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. For the latest road 
conditions call 5 1 1 or visit 511.alaska.gov.

&&

$$

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 Dec 29, 4:52 PM AKST, 11 hours 5 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Dec 29, 4:52 PM AKST, 11 hours 5 minutes before
Southcentral and Southwest Alaska Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
452 PM AKST Mon Dec 29 2025

.SHORT TERM FORECAST SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA (Days 1 through 3/Tonight
through Thursday)...

Key Points:

* Strong and gusty winds continue across much of the region this
  afternoon, but expect a general weakening trend as we head
  through the evening. A High Wind Warning remains in effect for
  the Matanuska Valley, where wind gusts are still reaching as
  high as 70 mph.

* A Winter Weather Advisory is also in effect for
  Thompson Pass, where winds which have started to decrease.
  However, snow will continue to be lofted by these gusty winds,
  reducing visibility through 9 pm tonight.

* Periods of heavy snow showers will reduce visibility along the
  southern Kenai Peninsula this evening. A Winter Weather Advisory
  remains in effect for Seward and travelers should use caution
  while traveling in the area.

* Portions of Kodiak Island, including Kodiak City could also
  experience low visibilities in blowing snow tonight. However,
  there is low forecast confidence in the track of surface lows
  and associated precipitation in the Gulf, so this will continue
  to be closely monitored.

* There will be additional chances of snow across the region
  through Thursday. However, the bigger story will be another
  surge of cold air and winds Tuesday through Tuesday night. This
  will come in from the northwest, with the strongest winds
  expected across Kodiak Island and the western Gulf.

The Arctic trough which brought another round of cold and winds to
Southcentral is now being pushed back to the north and west as a
series of short-wave troughs track northward across the Gulf of
Alaska into Southcentral. At the surface, an elongated surface
low and occluded front are lifting toward the north Gulf coast.
Radar imagery shows a particularly consolidated area of
precipitation tracking up across the northern Gulf toward the
Kenai Peninsula, while a band of light snow that swept across
much of Southcentral today is drifting west over Cook Inlet.
Across Prince William Sound, some light snow showers are present.

Winds have been slow to diminish across the region today, but are
still forecast to decrease this evening into tonight as warmer
air filters in from the series of shortwaves lifting over
Southcentral Alaska, loosening up the pressure and thermal
gradients that are driving the winds right now. The aforementioned
Arctic trough and associated strong jet will be pushed all the
way into Southwest AK where it will begin to shear apart. While
temperatures will warm, the airmass coming from the Gulf will not
be warm enough to change precipitation to rain for land areas.
Precipitation will generally be light, but the combination of wind
and low density snow means the snow will be easily blown around
and reduce visibilities. A Winter Weather Advisory remains in
effect for Seward, where stronger winds persist this evening and
a robust shortwave rotating around the Gulf low looks to bring
moderate to heavy snowfall during the later evening hours. Through
Thompson Pass, windy conditions are lofting snow from the ground
and reducing visibility, so the Winter Weather Advisory has been
retained for that area as well. Meanwhile, other locations are
not expected to see more than intermittent blowing snow due to the
largely showery nature of the precipitation.

Kodiak Island has a chance to see heavier snow and blowing snow
depending on the track of key features across the western Gulf
tonight. Stay tuned, as this can be a good pattern for blizzard
conditions in Kodiak City if precipitation backs in from the Gulf,
with persistent north to northwest surface winds holding in the
cold air. However, current thinking is that the low center and heavier
precipitation associated with it remains too far east and
therefore stays largely offshore. We will continue to monitor the
potential for changes to the forecast tonight.

The low in the Gulf shifts east on Tuesday, pulling the larger
trough over Southwest Alaska eastward. Some weak shortwaves will
keep a chance of snow in the forecast tonight through Wednesday,
especially over interior Southcentral. However, any snow
accumulation with these features will be light. More
significantly, a potent short-wave and strong jet streak will dive
southeastward across Southwest AK Tuesday night and into the
western Gulf Wednesday. This will bring yet another surge of
Arctic air and strong winds. The strongest winds will be over the
western Gulf and Kodiak Island, with good potential for Hurricane
Force wind gusts (65 kt) along the south side of the Alaska
Peninsula into the western Gulf and for Storm force gusts (50 kt)
for Kodiak Island. Secondarily, all of the gap winds along the
north Gulf coast and Prince William Sound will restrengthen. The
northwesterly flow will be particularly conducive for strong winds
in Whittier/Passage Canal, but thankfully, this is NOT conducive
for strong winds in the Matanuska Valley. In fact, winds will
likely be light there. No surprise, the cold spell will continue
across the region.

-SEB/CQ

&&

.SHORT TERM FORECAST SOUTHWEST ALASKA/BERING SEA/ALEUTIANS (Days
1 through 3: Today through Wednesday)...

An upper level ridge continues to slowly build over the central
and western Bering this morning, allowing for quiet conditions and
light winds to prevail across the central and western Aleutian
Chain. An impressive temperature and pressure gradient persists
over the eastern Bering, causing very strong north to northwest
flow across the eastern Bering Sea, AKPen and parts of Southwest.
The strongest winds are focused along and south of the AKPen,
where channeled flow through mountain gaps is further enhancing
winds. High-end Gale force winds with Storm force gusts are
ongoing along parts of the Pacific side of the AKPen. Wind gusts
here will peak Tuesday as hurricane force gusts are expected, with
winds expected to come down by Wednesday morning. This very
strong north to northwest flow has kicked up areas of dust and ash
built up from old eruptions near a few volcanoes, including
Westdahl and Shishaldin. Trace amounts of ashfall from resuspended
ash will be possible over waters immediately south of Unimak
Island until winds begin to subside later by midweek. Across
Southwest, gusty but not as strong winds continue, especially
across parts of Bristol Bay. The gusty winds coupled with
temperatures in the -0s to -10s are creating frigid wind chills
ranging from -10 to -40 this morning.

Across Southwest, temperatures will slowly rebound several degrees
by Tuesday and through midweek as the very cold northerly flow
pulling down Arctic air from the interior also becomes more
northwesterly with time. From Tuesday night into Wednesday, a
fast-moving shortwave trough and associated low will move into the
Seward Peninsula, sending a trailing cold front into the
Kuskokwim Delta. A line of snow showers moving along the front
will bring a very quick- hitting round of light snow to the
Kuskokwim Delta as the front brushes past late Tuesday night.
Limited moisture plus the short duration of snowfall will cap off
snow accumulation to half an inch or less through early Wednesday.

Across the Bering and Aleutians, conditions will become a bit more
unsettled as a North Pacific low pushes a front across the
Aleutian Chain into the southern Bering from Tuesday into
Wednesday. Temperatures will stay warm enough for purely rain
along the front as it lifts steadily northeast and spreads light
to moderate precipitation into the region. Winds along the front
will be nothing out of the ordinary, barely reaching Gale force
sustained as the front arrives near the central and western
Aleutians from Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning.

-AS/CL

&&

.LONG TERM FORECAST (Days 4 through 7: Friday through Monday)...

A rex block will be in place at the start of the long term
forecast period with ridging over the central Bering Sea and
troughing over mainland Alaska and the western Bering Sea. Cold
temperatures will descend over southern Alaska where areas of the
Kuskokwim Delta may see temperatures as low as 40 below zero. Most
of mainland will be under dry conditions while the Aleutians
continue a showery regime.

The main weather maker at the end of the weekend will be an
Aleutian low as it progresses eastward and breaks down the Bering
ridge. Deterministic models are in fairly good agreement for being
this far out in time, currently prognosticating between 950 to
960 mb as it moves into the Bering Sea on Sunday. Expect high
winds to possible storm-force as this system traverses over the
Chain. Moderate to heavy precipitation looks likely as moist
southerly flow associated with the frontal system moves over
southern Alaska. This will be one to keep an eye on going forward.

&&

.AVIATION...

PANC...VFR conditions and ceilings above 5000 ft expected through
the period. Gusty north winds gradually diminish through late this
evening, with gusts to drop below 25 kt overnight. A trough may
bring a period of light snow/flurries through late this evening,
with any accumulations at the surface expected to be minimal due
to the dry air currently in place.

&&

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Dec 29, 3:09 PM AKSTGale WarningAFC50 hr
Dec 29, 3:09 PM AKSTSmall Craft AdvisoryAFC49 hr
Dec 29, 3:19 PM AKSTGale WarningAFC60 hr
Dec 29, 3:19 PM AKSTSmall Craft AdvisoryAFC60 hr
Dec 30, 3:22 AM AKSTBrisk Wind AdvisoryAFC24 hr
Dec 30, 3:22 AM AKSTGale WarningAFC50 hr
Dec 30, 3:22 AM AKSTGale WarningAFC48 hr
Dec 30, 3:22 AM AKSTGale WarningAFC37 hr
Dec 30, 3:22 AM AKSTSmall Craft AdvisoryAFC48 hr
Dec 30, 3:22 AM AKSTStorm WarningAFC35 hr
Dec 30, 3:23 AM AKSTBrisk Wind AdvisoryAFC37 hr
Dec 30, 3:23 AM AKSTGale WarningAFC37 hr
Dec 30, 3:23 AM AKSTSmall Craft AdvisoryAFC37 hr
Dec 30, 3:23 AM AKSTHeavy Freezing Spray WarningAFC24 hr

Nearby

Blizzard Warnings in Alaska, 2025Every blizzard warning in 2025

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.