Multiple Winter Alerts In Alaska, 12 Inches Of Snow Possible In White Pass

Winter weather advisories and warnings have been issued across parts of Alaska as officials predict high winds that could last through the weekend. Heavy snow is also expected in elevated areas, with snowfall possibly reaching up to four inches.

"A potent low pressure system is expected to cross the eastern Aleutians by Friday and Saturday, which will lead to high winds over the area through the weekend," the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) said in its Hazards Outlook report released Tuesday.

"Heavy snow" is possible "in the high terrain," the agency added.

"Winds gusting up to 45 mph, and 2 to 4 inches of snow" are expected in the Thompson Pass area, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Anchorage tweeted Tuesday.

Wind gusts reaching 45 mph falls under the "High Wind" level designated by the NWS. High Wind conditions are described by the NWS as "a high threat to life and property." The agency also noted that it is possible to see isolated events of wind-related damage to pool enclosures, carports, awnings and porches during High Wind conditions.

High winds that may move loose debris and damage property or result in power outages, the office warned.

In the Haines Borough and Klukwan area, 3-5 inches of snow is expected through Wednesday morning, with the highest amounts of snowfall seen to hit bordering areas, the NWS in Juneau said.

In the Klondike Highway area, up to 11 inches of snowfall is expected Wednesday evening. Officials warned of difficulties when driving. Up to 4 inches of snowfall is expected in Skagway, while up to 12 inches of snow could fall in the White Pass area, NWS Juneau officials said.

Winter Storm Warning effective through 6 a.m. Wednesday:

• Eastern Norton Sound and Nulato Hills
• Yukon Delta
• Lower Yukon Valley

Winter Storm Warning effective through 10 p.m. Wednesday:

• Municipality of Skagway – including Klondike Highway above 1,500 feet and White Pass area

Winter Weather Advisory effective through 10 a.m. Wednesday:

• Haines Borough and Klukwan

Winter Weather Advisories effective through 6 a.m. Wednesday:

• Upper Kuskokwim Valley
• Western Kenai Peninsula

Winter Weather Advisory effective through 1 p.m. Wednesday:

• Thompson Pass

High Surf Advisory effective through 7 a.m. Wednesday:

• Kipnuk to Togiak – including Bristol Bay and Kuskokwim Delta

High Wind Warning effective through 4 p.m. Wednesday:

• Alaska Peninsula – including Cold Bay

Wind Advisories effective through 6 a.m. Wednesday:

• Deltana and Tanana Flats
• Denali
• Eastern Alaska Range – including North of Black Rapids
• Upper Kuskokwim Valley