Weather
Alaska Weather Oct. 9-10: Up to 14 Inches of Snow, 45 MPH Gusts Expected in Noatak Valley
NOATAK, AK – A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the Noatak Valley and the southern slopes of the western Brooks Range beginning early Friday, Oct. 9, with up to 14 inches of snow possible at high
By Mason Reid · 2026-10-09T11:39:32.933Z
NOATAK, AK – A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the Noatak Valley and the southern slopes of the western Brooks Range beginning early Friday, Oct. 9, with up to 14 inches of snow possible at higher elevations and wind gusts reaching 45 mph.
The National Weather Service in Fairbanks continued the warning Thursday afternoon, forecasting heavy snow from midnight Thursday night through 10 a.m. AKDT Saturday, Oct. 10.
The warning covers Noatak, Red Dog Mine and Walker Lake, along with surrounding areas in the Noatak Valley and the southern slopes of the western Brooks Range.
Forecasters expect snow accumulations of 10 to 14 inches in elevated areas. Those amounts are not necessarily expected throughout the entire warning area, including lower elevation communities.
Winds could occasionally gust as high as 45 mph, creating areas of blowing snow and significantly reducing visibility.
The combination of accumulating snow and gusty winds could make travel very difficult, particularly in locations where blowing snow limits visibility.
The Weather Service warned travelers to prepare for hazardous conditions throughout the warning period. Anyone who must travel should carry an extra flashlight, food and water in case of an emergency.
The warning begins at midnight at the start of Friday and remains in effect for approximately 34 hours, ending at 10 a.m. Saturday.
Although the highest snowfall totals are forecast for elevated terrain, travelers throughout the affected region should monitor conditions as snow and wind develop.
The bulletin does not provide specific snowfall totals for Noatak itself or identify particular roads expected to become impassable.
Residents and travelers should expect deteriorating conditions Friday, with heavy snow and blowing snow potentially continuing into Saturday morning before the Winter Storm Warning is scheduled to expire at 10 a.m. AKDT.