Recent significant snowfalls for Anchorage in the historical context and WRF model simulation of the February 10 , 2005 snowstorm associated with a Prince William Sound Low
Peter Q. Olsson and Karl Volz
Alaska Experimental Forecast Facility, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, Alaska
Alaska State Climate Center, ENRI, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, Alaska
Storms entering the northern Gulf of Alaska will occasionally move through the high terrain surrounding Prince William Sound as they follow a northeasterly track towards the Yukon Territory. These systems are commonly referred to by forecasters as "Prince William Sound Lows" (PWS Lows) and are believed to produce significant snowfalls with a large impact on the public and local and state agencies.
Using the simple objective technique for identification of a PWS Low, as presented at LAWS 2008, we examine significant snowfalls of the last two winters to determine which events are associated with low pressure centers in PWS. The contribution of these events to seasonal snowfall totals is demonstrated as is the contribution of PWS Lows to the total number of significant snowfall events for the last two winters. These recent events are included in significant and seasonal snowfall statistics for the period 1996-present.
The results of a WRF model simulation run of the February 10, 2005 winter storm by the Alaska Experimental Forecast Facility are evaluated for consistency with observations in the Anchorage Bowl. A preliminary analysis of storm dynamics based on the simulation will be presented.