The National Weather Service in Anchorage reports that periods of heavy snow and strong winds are expected along parts of the Seward Highway through Friday night. The affected region includes the Western Prince William Sound and the cities of Whittier, Seward, Girdwood, and Moose Pass.
The forecast predicts snow will occur through Turnagain Pass and will continue through Friday night. It is expected to be heaviest starting late this afternoon through the overnight hours. Steady east winds with gusts of up to 50mph are possible will combine with the snow to reduce visibilities down to one half mile at times. One to two additional feet of snow are expected over Turnagain Pass. Snow levels will slowly rise during this snow event, especially during the day on Friday. Additionally, forecasters expect snow to mix with rain at the lower elevations, which could create slippery and slushy conditions along the roadways.
According to the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center, the avalanche danger rose to high Wednesday night into Thursday. As a result, an Avalanche Warning has been issued. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended and backcountry travelers should stay off of, and out from underneath slopes steeper than 30 degrees. The avalanche warning is in effect for the Western Chugach and Kenai Mountains in and around Girdwood, Portage, Moose Pass, Turnagain Pass, Summit Lake, Lost Lake, and Seward.
Before you traverse north to Anchorage, check the road and weather conditions before you go and use caution when traveling. For the latest road conditions, call 511 or visit www.511.alaska.gov. Click here for the latest avalanche forecast.
