Alaska’s white-out week begins as NWS issues storm warning for up to 3 feet of snow

Parts of Alaska are bracing for a heavy early-winter storm that could bury the eastern Alaska Range under up to 3 feet of snow this week. Wind gusts of up to 65 mph could make travel "very difficult to impossible" along the Richardson Highway, the main road linking Fairbanks to the port of Valdez.

The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Fairbanks upgraded its alert for the region to a winter storm warning on Sunday afternoon. The warning runs from 7 am on Monday, October 19, to 4 am on Thursday, October 22, Alaska time.

Forecast keeps growing


The NWS expects 18 to 36 inches of snow above 2,500 feet in the eastern Alaska Range, with higher totals possible above pass level. Areas below 2,500 feet could get 12 to 24 inches. Gusts could reach 40 mph.

The forecast has risen sharply in a matter of hours. Earlier on Sunday, the NWS watch for the same area put totals at 18 to 30 inches above 2,500 feet and 12 to 18 inches below.

The heaviest snow is expected along the Richardson Highway between mileposts 202 and 259, including Trims Camp, Donnelly Dome and Black Rapids.

Strong winds ahead of the snow

A separate wind advisory covers the eastern Alaska Range north of Trims Camp from midnight Sunday night to 10 pm Monday. South winds of 30 to 40 mph are expected, with gusts of up to 65 mph. The NWS has warned that such winds can make driving difficult for tall vehicles. Blowing snow could cut visibility sharply.

Fairbanks under watch

The NWS added the Fairbanks North Star Borough and Nenana to its winter storm watch on Sunday morning. The area includes Fairbanks, North Pole, Ester, Salcha and Eielson Air Force Base. It could get 4 to 8 inches of snow from Tuesday morning through Wednesday afternoon.

Light snow is expected on Monday afternoon and evening and may briefly mix with rain. Heavier snow is likely to build on Tuesday and continue into Wednesday. The NWS said the storm could affect the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes.

According to the NWS alerts, the Denali Borough could get 8 to 12 inches of snow from Monday evening through Wednesday, with gusts of up to 40 mph. The Upper Chena River Valley, White Mountains and Eagle Summit could see 5 to 10 inches, while the Yukon Flats could get 4 to 8 inches.

A winter weather advisory is in place for the Northern Copper Valley, which includes Paxson and Isabel Pass. It forecasts 4 to 8 inches from 4 am Monday to 4 pm Tuesday.

A winter storm watch means significant winter weather is possible, though timing and severity can change. A warning means hazardous conditions are occurring or expected soon. A watch can be upgraded to a warning as the storm nears.

The NWS has advised drivers to check road conditions at 511.alaska.gov or by calling 511 before travelling. It has also asked them to keep a flashlight, food, water and warm clothing in their vehicles.