Climate & Environment

Fairbanks Issues Winter Storm Warning for Western Brooks Range and Noatak Valley

By Adam Lynton

The National Weather Service in Fairbanks has issued a winter storm warning for the south slopes of the Western Brooks Range and the Noatak Valley, including Red Dog Mine, Noatak, and Walker Lake, from 2 p.m. ET Tuesday to 8 p.m. ET Thursday. The warning calls for 6 to 18 inches of snow, wind gusts up to 35 mph, and blowing snow that could greatly reduce visibility. Areas below 800 feet are forecast to receive mostly rain, with some rain possible near Red Dog Mine on Tuesday. Precipitation will peak on Tuesday and Wednesday, with the heaviest snow arriving Wednesday, and temperatures will cool from Wednesday into Thursday. Travelers are advised to keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in their vehicles.

The new warning covers the same zone as a previous warning that expired at 8 p.m. ET Sunday, which had forecast up to 20 inches on higher terrain with gusts to 55 mph. A second warning over the south slopes of the Central Brooks Range, including the Dalton Highway from Mile Post 165 to Mile Post 232, called for 8 to 16 inches in two waves and ran until 2 a.m. ET Tuesday. A winter weather advisory over the Dalton Highway summits, the Elliott and Steese highways, and the Taylor Highway north of Mile Post 9 expired at 8 a.m. ET Tuesday, with the NWS Fairbanks noting that most of the snow from that storm had passed and only isolated snow showers remained.

Heavy snow can also cover the radar units in the bumper or grille and the camera at the top of the windshield that automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist rely on, and Ford advises that driver‑assist features may become unavailable in heavy snow. Clearing the headlight lenses, front bumper and camera area along with the glass, and repeating it on a longer drive, helps keep the lights and sensors clear.