A late August storm is bringing winter conditions to a remote mountain highway while powerful winds threaten major routes farther south. Forecasters expect up to 6 inches of snow near high elevations, while wind speeds could reach 70 mph on key roads through Saturday evening.
Snow Moves Onto High Elevations As Winter Conditions Return
The National Weather Service (NWS) Fairbanks has issued a winter weather advisory for the central Brooks Range, covering Anaktuvuk Pass, Galbraith Lake, Atigun Pass, and a section of the Dalton Highway between Mile Post 232 and Mile Post 322.
The advisory calls for 4 to 6 inches of snow near pass elevations, temperatures in the upper 20s, and blowing snow that could reduce visibility to half a mile or less. The warning remains in effect through 4 p.m. AKDT Saturday.
The affected stretch represents only part of the 414-mile highway. Conditions remain much warmer at lower elevations, with Coldfoot near Mile Post 175 forecast to see rain and temperatures close to 50 degrees. Farther north, Deadhorse is expected to see showers with temperatures in the low 40s.
The sharp change occurs at Atigun Pass, which reaches 4,739 feet and is the highest year-round maintained pass in Alaska. Drivers can move from wet roads into snow-covered conditions and back into rain along the same route.
Atigun Pass Becomes The Main Trouble Spot
A Friday morning update moved the focus toward snow developing near and above pass level, with Atigun Pass identified as the most vulnerable location.
Forecast models showed some differences over where the snow line would settle. Earlier estimates placed it near 4,000 feet, while later guidance suggested it could rise closer to 5,000 feet during the afternoon.
Because the pass sits above those elevations, snow remains possible even as surrounding areas shift between rain and mixed precipitation. Wet pavement could also become hazardous as temperatures drop overnight and surfaces begin to freeze.
Road Work Continues Inside The Snow Advisory Area
Travelers using the Dalton Highway are being advised to check 511 Alaska for changing road conditions. Current reports show maintenance work between Mile Post 314.5 and Mile Post 316, where crews are managing single-lane traffic with 24-hour flagging operations.
The construction zone is located inside the affected weather area, about 70 miles north of Atigun Pass.
The remote highway has limited services, no lighting, and little cellular coverage across much of the route. No weather-related closure was reported Friday morning.
Strong Winds Target Major Routes Far From The Snow Zone
The same storm is producing a separate travel threat hundreds of miles south in the Alaska Range.
A high wind warning covers part of the Richardson Highway between Mile Post 224 and Mile Post 259, including areas near Black Rapids and Donnelly Dome. Forecasts call for south winds of 30 to 40 mph, with winds reaching 70 mph.
A separate warning area includes sections of the Parks Highway near Windy Pass and the entrance to Denali National Park, where winds could reach 65 mph.
Officials warned that these conditions may create difficult driving conditions, especially for high-profile vehicles. The affected highways are also the main routes used by travelers heading north from Anchorage toward the Dalton Highway.
Winter Equipment Rules Remain Limited Before September
Drivers facing snow and ice conditions before September 16 cannot use studded tires on paved roads north of the 60th parallel under Alaska regulations. Tire chains remain the legal option when additional traction is needed.
The latest snowfall follows another weather statement issued earlier in the week for the same high-elevation corridor around Atigun Pass, showing that winter conditions are returning to the region earlier than typical seasonal travel patterns.
The current advisory covers the Dalton Highway between Mile Post 232 and Mile Post 322 until Saturday evening.
