One of the worst blizzards in Alaska took place in one of the snowiest spots on the planet, Thompson Pass, outside of Valdez, Alaska. In 1963, a blizzard dropping six and a half feet filled mile 47 of the Richardson Highway during one of the largest snowfalls ever recorded on the planet — not surprising for an area that breaks snowfall records regularly!
Thompson Pass was named in 1899 and used by Klondike Gold Rush miners.
U.S. National Archives and Records Administration / Wikipedia The pass became more and more defined over the years until automobiles were able to drive the trail in 1913. In 1950, an intrepid freight company foreman plowed the Richardson Highway, proving that this road could be kept open all through the winter.
This pass and the surrounding areas are well known for their incredible snowfalls.
mcav0y / Flickr At 2,600 feet high in the Chugach Mountain range, the average seasonal snowfall is more than 500 inches. In fact, Thompson Pass’s snowiest season saw an incredible 974 inches of snow!
In 1963, the world record snowfall of 78" was recorded right outside of Thompson Pass.
JKBrooks85 / Wikipedia On February 7th, 1963, more than six and a half feet of snow fell around mile 47 of the Richardson Highway. This beats out previous records held in Colorado and New York.
A lone foreman, Ralph Lane, was stationed out on mile 47 at an Alaska Highway Department camp.
cweimer4 via iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection / Getty Images He said that the snowflakes that fell were the size of silver dollars, and was even temporarily stuck in his snowplow during the storm.
This camp is approximately 21 miles north of the snowy Thompson Pass, and well known for freak weather occurrences.
Dagny Willis via Moment Collection / Getty Images This event would make it the world record for most snowfall in a single day. There is conflicting opinion, as the surrounding areas didn’t get as much snow, so many people doubt the truth of this recording.
Many meteorologists state, however, that there is enough circumstantial evidence to believe this recording to be true.
Noppawat Tom Charoensinphon via Moment Collection / Getty Images Whether this was a true world-breaking record or not, it still stands as one of the most impressive blizzards in Alaska that’s ever been recorded. Not surprisingly, the nearest town of Valdez is the snowiest sea-level town in the world, with an average of 320" of snow each season.
If you’re in need of some snow this season, be sure to head out to Thompson Pass or Valdez to play this winter.
Ethan Welty / Getty Images Thompson Pass will continue to astound those who love large snowfalls. Keep your eyes peeled for bigger, larger storms in the future, where you can expect to see more world records broken!
Do you remember hearing about one of the worst blizzards in Alaska? Have you experienced some pretty great snowfalls where you live? Let us know in the comments below!
U.S. National Archives and Records Administration / Wikipedia
The pass became more and more defined over the years until automobiles were able to drive the trail in 1913. In 1950, an intrepid freight company foreman plowed the Richardson Highway, proving that this road could be kept open all through the winter.
mcav0y / Flickr
At 2,600 feet high in the Chugach Mountain range, the average seasonal snowfall is more than 500 inches. In fact, Thompson Pass’s snowiest season saw an incredible 974 inches of snow!
JKBrooks85 / Wikipedia
On February 7th, 1963, more than six and a half feet of snow fell around mile 47 of the Richardson Highway. This beats out previous records held in Colorado and New York.
cweimer4 via iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection / Getty Images
He said that the snowflakes that fell were the size of silver dollars, and was even temporarily stuck in his snowplow during the storm.
Dagny Willis via Moment Collection / Getty Images
This event would make it the world record for most snowfall in a single day. There is conflicting opinion, as the surrounding areas didn’t get as much snow, so many people doubt the truth of this recording.
Noppawat Tom Charoensinphon via Moment Collection / Getty Images
Whether this was a true world-breaking record or not, it still stands as one of the most impressive blizzards in Alaska that’s ever been recorded. Not surprisingly, the nearest town of Valdez is the snowiest sea-level town in the world, with an average of 320" of snow each season.
Ethan Welty / Getty Images
Thompson Pass will continue to astound those who love large snowfalls. Keep your eyes peeled for bigger, larger storms in the future, where you can expect to see more world records broken!
If you want to read more about Thompson Pass and its record-breaking snowfalls, read more about how It’s Impossible To Forget The Year Alaska Saw Its Single Largest Snowfall Ever!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
blizzards in Alaska October 04, 2021 Beth C. What can I do in Alaska during the winter? Most people think about traveling to Alaska during the summer when the days are long and there are endless recreational opportunities. Understandably, winter in Alaska can be a bit more intimidating of a time to travel. Of course, you shouldn’t rule out this option as Alaska during the wintertime is simply magical. If you’re planning to experience Alaska during the colder months, you can look forward to all kinds of seasonal activities, such as looking for the Northern Lights, dog sledding, skating, skiing, and snowmobiling. There are also plenty of Alaskan resorts that are tailor-made for a winter getaway. Many of these places even feature hot springs where you can enjoy a soak after a long day of winter adventures. What are some of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Alaska? Experiencing the Northern Lights is truly a bucket list experience. And here in Alaska, opportunities for spotting this elusive phenomenon are abundant. One of the best places to go to increase your chances of spotting the Northern Lights is Fairbanks. Due to the prolonged darkness in winter, strong auroral activity, and the number of tours offered there, Fairbanks is a great option. In fact, Fairbanks is considered to be one of the world’s top destinations for spotting the Northern Lights. Can I go hiking in the winter in Alaska? Hiking in Alaska during the winter is possible, although you will need to take several precautions. Dressing appropriately, having a plan, and bringing lots of gear are all essential. That being said, there are plenty of trails that prove to be beautiful during the wintertime, and winter hiking is worth the extra effort. Some of the best winter hiking destinations in Alaska include Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Spaulding Meadows, Burns Glacier, Powerline Pass, Milo Lakes, White Mountains, Admiralty Island, Turnagain Arm, Knoya Peak, Haines, Tongass National Forest, Peterson Lake, Salmon Creek, and Rainbow Lake Trail. To learn more about these winter hiking destinations in Alaska, click here.
The OIYS Visitor Center
blizzards in Alaska
October 04, 2021
Beth C.
What can I do in Alaska during the winter? Most people think about traveling to Alaska during the summer when the days are long and there are endless recreational opportunities. Understandably, winter in Alaska can be a bit more intimidating of a time to travel. Of course, you shouldn’t rule out this option as Alaska during the wintertime is simply magical. If you’re planning to experience Alaska during the colder months, you can look forward to all kinds of seasonal activities, such as looking for the Northern Lights, dog sledding, skating, skiing, and snowmobiling. There are also plenty of Alaskan resorts that are tailor-made for a winter getaway. Many of these places even feature hot springs where you can enjoy a soak after a long day of winter adventures. What are some of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Alaska? Experiencing the Northern Lights is truly a bucket list experience. And here in Alaska, opportunities for spotting this elusive phenomenon are abundant. One of the best places to go to increase your chances of spotting the Northern Lights is Fairbanks. Due to the prolonged darkness in winter, strong auroral activity, and the number of tours offered there, Fairbanks is a great option. In fact, Fairbanks is considered to be one of the world’s top destinations for spotting the Northern Lights. Can I go hiking in the winter in Alaska? Hiking in Alaska during the winter is possible, although you will need to take several precautions. Dressing appropriately, having a plan, and bringing lots of gear are all essential. That being said, there are plenty of trails that prove to be beautiful during the wintertime, and winter hiking is worth the extra effort. Some of the best winter hiking destinations in Alaska include Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Spaulding Meadows, Burns Glacier, Powerline Pass, Milo Lakes, White Mountains, Admiralty Island, Turnagain Arm, Knoya Peak, Haines, Tongass National Forest, Peterson Lake, Salmon Creek, and Rainbow Lake Trail. To learn more about these winter hiking destinations in Alaska, click here.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Most people think about traveling to Alaska during the summer when the days are long and there are endless recreational opportunities. Understandably, winter in Alaska can be a bit more intimidating of a time to travel. Of course, you shouldn’t rule out this option as Alaska during the wintertime is simply magical. If you’re planning to experience Alaska during the colder months, you can look forward to all kinds of seasonal activities, such as looking for the Northern Lights, dog sledding, skating, skiing, and snowmobiling. There are also plenty of Alaskan resorts that are tailor-made for a winter getaway. Many of these places even feature hot springs where you can enjoy a soak after a long day of winter adventures.
What are some of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Alaska?
Experiencing the Northern Lights is truly a bucket list experience. And here in Alaska, opportunities for spotting this elusive phenomenon are abundant. One of the best places to go to increase your chances of spotting the Northern Lights is Fairbanks. Due to the prolonged darkness in winter, strong auroral activity, and the number of tours offered there, Fairbanks is a great option. In fact, Fairbanks is considered to be one of the world’s top destinations for spotting the Northern Lights.
Can I go hiking in the winter in Alaska?
Hiking in Alaska during the winter is possible, although you will need to take several precautions. Dressing appropriately, having a plan, and bringing lots of gear are all essential. That being said, there are plenty of trails that prove to be beautiful during the wintertime, and winter hiking is worth the extra effort. Some of the best winter hiking destinations in Alaska include Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Spaulding Meadows, Burns Glacier, Powerline Pass, Milo Lakes, White Mountains, Admiralty Island, Turnagain Arm, Knoya Peak, Haines, Tongass National Forest, Peterson Lake, Salmon Creek, and Rainbow Lake Trail. To learn more about these winter hiking destinations in Alaska, click here.
