Winter Storm in Alaska, February 27 to 28, 2024

Name: Winter Storm in Alaska, February 27 to 28, 2024
Start: 2024-02-27T01:10
End: 2024-02-28T10:00
Location: Alaska

February 27 to 28, 2024 · NWS AJK · 10 events in 10 counties and zones

A slow moving system with cold air in place brought widespread snowfall across the panhandle. Blowing snow with reduced visibility and heavy rates were observed followed by post-frontal snow showers.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 10 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

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Winter weather
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Marine and coastal
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The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: None recorded
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 10

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS AJK wrote it up.

A slow moving system with cold air in place brought widespread snowfall across the panhandle. Blowing snow with reduced visibility and heavy rates were observed followed by post-frontal snow showers.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Juneau, AK wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Feb 26, 2:41 PM AKST, 10 hours 29 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Feb 26, 2:41 PM AKST, 10 hours 29 minutes before

Southeast Alaska Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Juneau AK
241 PM AKST Mon Feb 26 2024

.SHORT TERM.../Through Tuesday night/ Main story of the short
range is the incoming front on Tuesday that will be bringing snow
to a wide area of the panhandle through Tuesday night at least. A
lingering cold air mass over just about all of the panhandle
interacting with the incoming front will be the driver of the
precipitation. It looks like a surface arctic boundary will set
up across the southern panhandle and outer coast from Annette
Island and Ketchikan across Prince of Wales Island and over to
Baranof Island as the front from the gulf moves in. This arctic
boundary will be the focus of the heavier precip and depending on
how it moves (or does not move) will determine what areas get a
lot of snow and what areas receive less. Though just about all of
the panhandle will see some amount of snow, the highest
accumulations are expected around Ketchikan, Prince of Wales
Island, Kuiu Island, and Easter Baranof. The highest rates of
precip are expected Tuesday with a gradual diminishing trend into
Tuesday night and lingering showers into Wednesday.

At the current time Winter Storm Warnings have been issued for
the Southern Panhandle and Outer Coast with Winter Weather
Advisories for just about everywhere else except Skagway, Haines,
and Yakutat. Complicating the forecast is the gusty winds that the
front will be bringing in for the south. Gusts to 30 to 40 mph
are possible Tuesday which could blow the snow around and reduce
visibilities to below one mile at times. We will be on the look
out for blizzard conditions (1/4 mile vis in blowing snow for 3 or
more hours) though it looks to be a low chance at this time. Snow
ratios will also be tricky in that with the cold air in place the
snow may be rather dry and fluffy to start with (around 20:1 snow
ratios or higher), but southern areas could see wetter snow
(around 10:1 or 15:1 ratios or less) as temperatures warm in the
afternoon. Also a few areas (Annette Island, Southern Prince of
Wales, and Sitka) could warm enough Tuesday afternoon that a mix
of rain and snow could be observed rather then all snow lowering
snow totals somewhat.

.LONG TERM.../Wednesday through Monday/...The previous days low
pressure system over the gulf continues its slow track
southeastward while weakening. Showers diminish from north to
south with only the far southern panhandle still under any threat
of snow through early Thursday. Tricky part of the forecast is
that as the low moves in those shower bands there will be a large
differences in accumulation due to terrain and possible training
of showers. In addition the south will warm just above freezing
and that will alter snow ratios. Fro now southern Baranof Island
and western POW have greater chances for a few more inches of
accumulation Wednesday. Elsewhere skies begin to clear and the
northerly and outflow winds increase. Lynn Canal hits upper levels
gale force while other areas will rise to above small craft
levels. Outflow and gap wind areas such as Taku inlet and downtown
Juneau will also see gusts of 40 to near 50 mph. cold arctic air
remains and temps may dip down into the single digits for northern
locations and wind sheltered areas. This pattern lasts into the
weekend when we start to see the next system approaching from the
west. High uncertainty regarding this system and if the front hits
the panhandle. GFS has been more aggressive moving overland while
ECMWF keeps things more offshore. Plenty of run to run
inconsistencies and ensembles pretty much wash out details that
far out. So keeping an eye out on another possible snow event,
followed by airmass change and warming temps.

&&

.MARINE...Widespread higher winds expected in just about all
marine areas starting Monday night into Tuesday as the front comes
inland. Highest winds expected to reach min storm force in the
northern Gulf late monday night into early Tuesday. Gales expected
for the rest of the gulf waters, Clarence Strait, and Southern
Chatham as the front moves east Tuesday. Just about all of the
rest of the inner channels can expect 25 to 30 kt winds except for
the far northern inner channels. Seas will be elevated in the
gulf as well with 20+ foot seas for the northern gulf by late
Monday night. Winds and seas are expected to diminish through
Tuesday night and into Wednesday.

&&

.AVIATION...VFR conditions and breezy weather begins the TAF
issuance with no notable aviation concerns through the evening.
Good flying conditions end in the overnight period as a strong
front approaches from the west. Cold air in place will yield light
and fluffy snow, which yields some VIS concerns. Particularly
along the outer coast and southern panhandle, windy conditions
combined with light and fluffy snow look to bring down VIS to LIFR
conditions for extended periods of time. Not as much moisture
looks to work its way inland, meaning IFR VIS conditions for
areas up to Juneau. Furthermore, windy conditions aloft will
bring LLWS concerns in the aforementioned areas, with winds at
2000 ft approaching a maximum of 50 kt, with the highest winds
around the southern panhandle.

&&

.AJK WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
PUBLIC...Winter Weather Advisory from 3 AM Tuesday to 5 AM AKST Wednesday
     for AKZ320-321-324>326-329.
     Winter Storm Warning from 3 AM Tuesday to 5 AM AKST Wednesday
     for AKZ322-323-327-328.
     Strong Wind from late tonight through Tuesday morning for AKZ323.
     Strong Wind from Tuesday morning through Tuesday afternoon for
     AKZ325.
     Strong Wind from late tonight through Tuesday morning for AKZ327.
     Strong Wind Tuesday morning for AKZ328.
     Winter Storm Warning from 6 AM Tuesday to 5 AM AKST Wednesday
     for AKZ330-332.
     Winter Weather Advisory from 9 AM Tuesday to 5 AM AKST Wednesday
     for AKZ331.
MARINE...Storm Warning for PKZ644-652-664-671-672.
     Gale Warning for PKZ022-035-036-641>643-651-661>663.
     Small Craft Advisory for PKZ012-013-021-031>034-053.

&&

SHORT TERM...EAL
LONG TERM....PRB
AVIATION...NC

Visit us at http://www.weather.gov/Juneau

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

10 winter storm. Local standard time, as filed.

Winter Storm, City and Borough of Sitka

When: February 27, 1:10 AM AKST to February 28, 9:00 AM AKST
Where: City and Borough of Sitka forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 57.083, -135.269 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Sitka Airport measured gusts of 30-50mph through the morning of the 27th, then continued gusts of 20-30mph through the rest of the day a visibility briefly down to a quarter mile at times. Trained spotters reported variable snowfall amounts due to blowing and drifting snow in the morning of the 27th. Through the morning of the 28th, an estimated 8.25 inches of snow had fallen.

Winter Storm, City and Borough of Yakutat

When: February 27, 2:00 AM AKST to 9:53 AM AKST
Where: City and Borough of Yakutat forecast zone
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 59.667, -139.133 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A past NWS Employee estimated 6 to 8 inches of dry fluffy snow by 815am on the 27th. The WSO confirmed 7.1 inches by 845am with only a trace of additional accumulation falling through the rest of the day. The Yakutat airport was reporting gusts of 20-25 mph and visibility down to a half mile at times.

Winter Storm, Prince of Wales Island

When: February 27, 2:07 AM AKST to February 28, 3:30 AM AKST
Where: Prince of Wales Island forecast zone
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 55.597, -132.803 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Public comments on social media from around Prince of Wales Island noted highly variable snowfall amounts due to blowing and drifting snow. The first report was for up to 12 inches in Coffman Cove by 126pm on the 27th. Other reports ranged from 14 inches in Thorne Bay, confirmed by the COOP, to over 6 inches in Whale Pass through the following morning. Locations on the western side of the Island saw lower accumulations with exception of Naukati Bay which saw about 10 inches.

Winter Storm, Ketchikan Gateway Borough

When: February 27, 2:44 AM AKST to February 28, 9:00 AM AKST
Where: Ketchikan Gateway Borough forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 55.501, -131.417 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Trained spotters reported blowing and drifting snow through the day on the 27th with about 4 inches of snow by late afternoon. By the following morning another 6 inches of snow had fallen for storm totals ranging from 8.2 inches at the north end of Ketchikan to 12 inches in town. The Ketchikan Airport measured gusts of 20 to 40 mph with visibility down to a quarter mile briefly.

Winter Storm, Western Kupreanof Island and Kuiu Island

When: February 27, 2:51 AM AKST to February 28, 10:00 AM AKST
Where: Western Kupreanof Island and Kuiu Island forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 55.597, -132.803 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A trained spotter in Security Bay, SW of Kake, reported 9.5 inches of snow already by 11am on the 27th along with blowing and drifting snow. The spotter reported another 6 inches by 11pm and another 3 inches the following morning for a total of 18.5 inches. A spotter in Kake reported 8-12 inches of snow by 8am on the 28th with significant drifting. The Kake airport was reporting wind gusts of around 20 mph and visibility down to three quarters of a mile at times.

Winter Storm, Annette Island

When: February 27, 3:00 AM AKST to February 28, 5:00 AM AKST
Where: Annette Island forecast zone
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 55.597, -132.803 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

An NWS Employee estimated 6 inches of snow by 222pm on the 27th with variable coverage due to blowing and drifting. By the following morning there was a range of 8.6 inches total measured in town and 12.6 inches at the WSO. The Metlakatla Seaplane Base measured gusts of 20 to 30 mph with visibility down to a quarter mile briefly.

Winter Storm, Eastern Chichagof Island

When: February 27, 3:48 AM AKST to February 28, 4:36 AM AKST
Where: Eastern Chichagof Island forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 57.948, -134.941 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A public comment on social media reported 7 inches already in Hoonah by 7am on the 27th. The Hoonah COOP station at the water treatment plan measured 12 inches of snow by 9am along with very poor visibility. The COOP measured another 4.8 inches by the following morning. Other social media reports in Hoonah noted an estimated 18 inches in under 6 hours and another shared a photo of 2 feet as of 1235pm with snow continuing to fall heavily. The Hoonah airport was reporting gusts of 20-30 mph and visibility down to a quarter mile.

Winter Storm, Glacier Bay

When: February 27, 4:00 AM AKST to February 28, 5:00 AM AKST
Where: Glacier Bay forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 57.948, -134.941 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A trained spotter in Gustavus measured 4.5 inches of snow by 9am on the 27th and up to 6 inches by 2pm. Intermittent moderate snowfall continued through the night with another 2 inches falling, but the total compressing down to 7.5 inches. The nearby COOP measured 6 inches from this event. The Gustavus airport AWOS was down at the time.

Winter Storm, City and Borough of Wrangell

When: February 27, 4:00 AM AKST to February 28, 9:00 AM AKST
Where: City and Borough of Wrangell forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 56.413, -132.320 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A trained spotter south of Wrangell measured 4 inches of snow by 8am on the 27th with 1 mile visibility. By 7pm their total was up to 6.5 inches. Intermittent moderate snowfall continued through the night with another 2 inches falling, but the total compressing down to 7.25 inches. The Wrangell airport observer measured periodic gusts of 20-30 mph during the day on the 27th and visibility down to a quarter mile briefly.

Winter Storm, Cape Fairweather to Lisianski Strait

When: February 27, 4:00 AM AKST to February 28, 5:00 AM AKST
Where: Cape Fairweather to Lisianski Strait forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 57.948, -134.941 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Pelican COOP measured 2.4 inches of snow by 8am on the 27th and another 8.1 inches by the following morning. Based on other communities nearby, greatest snowfall rates were likely during the day on the 27th.

What these are

Winter Storm: A storm that brought snow, sleet or freezing rain at warning levels, usually over several hours or days.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Alaska in 2024 Every state in 2024 This day in weather history Warnings in Alaska, February 2024

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1165221, 1165198, 1165200, 1165203, 1165199, 1165206, 1165196, 1165208, 1165213, 1165225.