Up to 15 inches of snow is forecast through Friday under a winter storm warning from the National Weather Service, with the heaviest snow due overnight and a switch to rain possible before the storm wraps up.
Where Is the Warning in Effect?
The NWS Anchorage winter storm warning covers the Northern Susitna Valley in Alaska from 1 p.m. Thursday to 2 p.m. Friday AKDT. Chulitna, Broad Pass and the Denali Highway are named inside it, and the office singles out one road in particular:
“Travel could be very difficult, with low visibility and rapidly accumulating snow along the Parks Highway.”
The Parks Highway is the main road between Anchorage and Fairbanks, and the stretch through Broad Pass sits right in the warning zone. Totals are forecast at 7 to 15 inches, with visibility of one quarter mile or less at times.
How Much Snow Falls Before the Warning Starts?
A fair amount. Light snow is already falling Thursday morning, and Anchorage expects 2 to 4 inches of it to pile up before the warning even begins.
From there, the storm picks up speed:
“Snowfall intensity will then increase during the afternoon hours. The heaviest snow will fall tonight through Friday morning.”
Will the Snow Turn to Rain?
It could. Anchorage says the snow “could then mix with or change to rain Friday afternoon as temperatures warm above freezing.”
Rain falling onto several inches of fresh snow can leave a heavy, wet surface on the road. Alaska’s Department of Transportation and Public Facilities notes in its winter driving tips that it takes more time to stop when roads are wet or icy, and that ice forms first on bridges and overpasses.
Is the Denali Highway Still Maintained?
No. The road is named in the warning, but it runs on a summer schedule, and Alaska DOT&PF said in May that it would maintain the Denali Highway only through Oct. 1.
Taking the Parks Highway? What to Pack and Check First
NWS Anchorage is blunt about what a warning of this kind means:
“A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather conditions will make travel very hazardous.”
If you have to be behind the wheel, the office recommends keeping an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle, and checking 511.alaska.gov or calling 511 for the latest road conditions before you go.
DOT&PF also says to keep your headlights on so others can see you. If you end up behind a plow, stay at least 200 feet back, since snow removal equipment can kick up whiteout conditions if you follow too closely.
The warning expires at 2 p.m. Friday AKDT, and Anchorage posts updates on its forecast office page.
