winter Storms to Bring Hazardous Travel Conditions to Alaska, Wyoming, and Washington
A important winter weather system is forecast to bring hazardous driving conditions and travel disruptions to parts of Alaska, Wyoming, and Washington. The National Weather Service (NWS) warns of heavy snowfall and strong winds, leading to reduced visibility, particularly in higher elevations and along major highways.
the heaviest snowfall is expected to impact the Cascades of whatcom and Skagit counties in Washington, and the Washington Pass, with accumulations potentially reaching up to 16 inches from Wednesday night through Friday morning. Areas above 4,000 feet could see even higher totals, with Mount Baker potentially receiving up to 24 inches and the highest elevations nearing 3 feet of snow. Travel along Highway 20, west of Washington Pass, is expected to be “arduous to unachievable.”
Alaska’s Thompson Pass area is forecast to receive around 9 inches of snow from Wednesday evening through Thursday evening, impacting both morning and evening commutes. Winds are expected to peak early Thursday afternoon at 40 mph, causing blowing snow and reducing visibility to a half-mile or less. The NWS for Alaska cautions residents about icy and slippery surfaces, increasing the risk of falls and injuries.
Wyoming’s teton and Gros Ventre Mountains should prepare for 4 to 8 inches of snow, with up to 12 inches possible in the highest parts of the Tetons, from Wednesday night through Thursday afternoon. Winds could reach 40 mph, making travel difficult, especially across the Teton and togwotee passes. The NWS urges residents and travelers to check the Wyoming Department of Transportation for local road condition updates.
The most intense snowfall is anticipated overnight on Wednesday and Thursday,with some areas potentially seeing one inch of accumulation per hour.
The NWS advises anyone who must travel to “keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.” Travelers in affected regions are encouraged to keep emergency winter kits in their vehicles and check local road conditions before embarking on their journeys. Residents are also advised to remain alert to rapidly changing forecasts as conditions can deteriorate quickly.
