Juneau, AK – A major winter storm is expected to bring heavy and long-duration snowfall across the northern Alaska Panhandle this weekend, with the National Weather Service warning that travel through Skagway, Haines, and surrounding highways may become extremely hazardous through Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Juneau, a significant pattern shift will pull colder air and strong outflow winds southward beginning Friday night, combining with incoming Pacific moisture to produce widespread accumulating snow. Forecasters say confidence has increased that the Klondike Highway, Haines Highway, and nearby communities will see warning-level snowfall through the weekend.
A Winter Storm Warning for the Municipality of Skagway, including White Pass and the Klondike Highway, is in effect from 10 p.m. Friday to 3 p.m. Sunday. Snow totals of 12 to 26 inches are expected, with wind gusts up to 45 mph creating blowing snow and reduced visibility. Snow will begin along the highway late Friday before reaching sea level Saturday morning as colder air deepens.
A second Winter Storm Warning covers Haines Borough and Klukwan from 3 a.m. Saturday through 3 p.m. Sunday, where 14 to 19 inches of snow are expected. Snow will begin along the Haines Highway late Friday night, transitioning to all snow at sea level by late Saturday morning.
Forecasters note that Yakutat and the Icy Strait Corridor may also reach warning-level snowfall as the system expands, potentially creating a prolonged snow event into early next week.
Travel is discouraged unless necessary, as winds may bring down tree branches and create whiteout conditions along higher elevations. Residents are urged to prepare vehicles and property before the storm arrives. Road conditions can be monitored at 511.alaska.gov.
