Blizzard in Alaska, December 25 to 26, 2010

A strong ridge of high pressure across eastern Russia combined with low pressure in the Gulf of Alaska to produce a strong pressure difference along the Chukchi Sea coast, the Bering Strait coast and on Saint Lawrence Island. The strong difference in pressure produced strong winds and created significant blowing and drifting snow and blizzard conditions.

Zone 207: Blizzard conditions were observed at Kivalina from 1800AKST on the 25th through 0600AKST on the 26th. The visibility was frequently reduced to one quarter mile or less with near zero visibility at times in blowing snow. A peak wind gust of 52 Kt (60 mph) was observed at the Kivalina ASOS.

Zone 213: Blizzard conditions were observed at Wales along the Bering Strait Coast and at Gambell on Saint Lawrence Island. At Wales, the blizzard conditions were observed from approximately 0300AKST on the 25th through 0400AKST on the 26th. The visibility was frequently reduced to one quarter mile or less in snow and blowing snow. A peak wind gust of 48 kt (55 mph) was observed at the Wales AWIS. Blizzard conditions were also observed at Gambell beginning at around 0300AKST on the 25th, however, the visibility sensor became inoperable during the event and it is estimated that the blizzard conditions continued through around 1200AKST on the 26th. A peak wind gust of 46 kt (53 mph) was observed at the Gambell AWOS. Blizzard conditions likely also occurred at Savoonga; however, the visibility sensor was inoperable during the event. A peak wind gust of 50 kt (58 mph) was observed at the Savoonga AWOS.