Weather
An active stretch of weather will unfold across southern Alaska this week into early next week, bringing periods of mixed precipitation along the coast and accumulating snowfall for higher elevations and favored mountain locations. Expect fluctuating temperatures and variable snow levels early on, followed by a more seasonable cooling trend heading into the weekend and next week. Winds will occasionally be gusty, especially near the coast and through gaps, but calmer conditions should prevail for inland valleys in between each system.
Tuesday Night–Thursday Storm. This period begins with relatively mild conditions near sea level, which may lead to rain or a mix at the lower elevations along coastal areas. Inland and higher-elevation zones stand a better chance of receiving all snow, though amounts are uncertain due to brief downslope conditions in some spots. Snow ratios should hover mostly between 7:1 and 12:1, supporting a moderately dense but still serviceable snow surface. Gusty southerly winds will accompany the frontal passage late Wednesday into early Thursday, but overall storm totals should be respectable at higher elevations.
Friday Night–Saturday Surge. A brief lull in precipitation late Thursday and much of Friday will give way to another surge of moisture Friday night into Saturday, supported by a cooling airmass. While the amounts look modest—on the order of 1–2 inches for most mid to upper mountain terrain—the snow quality could be quite decent due to snow-liquid ratios climbing toward the 13–15:1 range. Temperatures should be trending closer to seasonal normals, improving the likelihood of all snow at many locations, with less concern for mixed precipitation at lower elevations.
Sunday Night–Monday Wave and Extended Outlook. Another system will approach from the west later Sunday into Monday, spreading additional light to moderate snowfall to the region. Higher terrain could pick up a few extra inches, with snow ratios near 12–13:1. Temperatures will likely remain near or just below normal heading into early next week, helping preserve the new snow in shaded and higher-elevation terrain. Looking beyond the start of next week, broader patterns continue to favor below-normal temperatures and above-normal precipitation for much of the West, suggesting that additional snowfall opportunities could continue for the region.
Alyeska Forecast Totals
- Alyeska – 12–20” total (10–14” Tue night (03/04) – Thu night (03/06) + 1–2” Fri night (03/07) – Sat (03/08) + 1–4” Sun night (03/09) – Mon (03/10))
