…ACCUMULATING SNOW FOR HIGHWAYS IN THE NORTHERN PANHANDLE…
.No changes since previous update. A front moving up from the
south Thursday night into Friday is expected to bring heavy
precipitation. Ahead of the front, northerly winds look to pull
cold air from Canada into the northern panhandle, which would
lower snow levels and temps. But as the front tracks northward,
warm, southerly air looks to increase snow levels to around 1500
ft. Moderate to heavy snow is likely, before the warmer air moves
in and allows rain to mix in.
* WHAT…Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 5 to 8
inches.
* WHERE…Haines Borough and Klukwan, from near mile marker 20
to the border.
* WHEN…From 9 PM Thursday to noon AKST Friday.
* IMPACTS…Travel will be very difficult.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…For the Haines Highway, light snow will
begin Thursday evening with the heavier snow mainly after 9
PM. Average snowfall rates will be up to 0.5 to 1 inch per
hour with rates exceeding 1 inch per hour and visibilities
reduced to 1 statue mile or less at times. Light to moderate
snow will linger into Friday afternoon with rain mixing in at
times. For areas near sea level, including Haines, a rain/snow
mix is likely into Friday afternoon before transitioning to
rain late Friday afternoon.