A winter storm watch covers Anchorage, Eagle River and the Kenai Peninsula from Saturday afternoon through late Sunday night, Alaska time. The National Weather Service in Anchorage says a band of snow could make travel very difficult, especially around Portage and along the route from Turnagain Pass to Moose Pass.
Forecasters say 7 to 11 inches are possible between Turnagain Pass and Moose Pass. Portage could get 9 to 11 inches, with snow falling as fast as an inch an hour. The watch includes East Turnagain Arm and Anchorage and Eagle River at all elevations.
Snow totals could vary widely depending on where the band stalls. In Anchorage, Eagle River and the western Kenai Peninsula, the weather service puts the low end at 2 to 4 inches and the high end at 6 to 10 inches, with up to a foot possible at higher elevations. Seward could see 1 to 3 inches at the low end or 3 to 6 inches at the high end. Forecasters expect warmer air to move in from east to west Sunday afternoon, turning snow to rain in some areas.
The watch describes possible conditions. Before leaving, check the state’s Alaska 511 map for current road conditions and any closures. The weather service advises checking its latest forecast as the snow band’s track becomes clearer.
