ANAKTUVUK PASS, Alaska – Drivers crossing the Central Brooks Range face deteriorating travel conditions Friday as up to 6 inches of snow, light ice and blowing snow target higher elevations, with the most significant impacts expected near Atigun Pass.
According to the National Weather Service in Fairbanks, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 4 a.m. Friday until 4 p.m. AKDT Saturday. Snow totals of 4 to 6 inches are expected, while a trace to 0.05 inches of ice and wind gusts up to 30 mph are possible. Visibility could fall to one-half mile or less at times.
The advisory covers Anaktuvuk Pass and the Dalton Highway from mileposts 232 to 322, including Atigun Pass and Galbraith Lake. The Weather Service expects the worst conditions near Atigun Pass, creating a potential trouble spot for commercial and other highway traffic.
Snow will initially favor elevations above 2,500 feet before snow levels climb toward 4,000 feet Friday. Wet snow at lower elevations should resist significant blowing, but areas above 4,000 feet could see sharper visibility reductions.
Motorists should slow down, allow extra stopping distance and check 511.alaska.gov before traveling the Dalton Highway. The advisory remains in effect through 4 p.m. Saturday, and travelers should monitor additional National Weather Service alerts as conditions change.
