A Winter Wind Machine

Observation by Mike Brubaker:

The wind storms have been rolling in, one after another off the North Pacific. It is the windest conditions I can recall in my years in Anchorage. Not only have the winds been unrelenting this year, the intensity of the gusts during some of the big wind storms have been remarkable. We have had 100 mph winds in the past, but I think these were stronger then that. The Anchorage Daily News reported winds of 111 mph in Bear Valley, and unofficial home stations reported even higher. Across Anchorage the winds brought down trees (and structures) and caused widespread power outages. The first lasted for three days in our neighborhood, and we have had two more power outages since. It is typical for 'chinooks' to blow through Anchorage in the winter, and we are no strangers to wind storms. But persistent winds, day after day, and storms lined up one after another does I think mark a change. It reminds me more of the weather in the Aleutians then in SouthCentral. As if the storms are moving further East and having broader impact all along southern and western Alaska. Changes in wind behavior have been a topic in Northwest Alaska for several years. I think counting this winter, the wind has become one of the big signals for Southcentral Alaska as well. As for temperatures, I have not shoveled snow or worn a heavy coat all winter. It is ice-land and the trails, parking lots and side roads are particularly treacherous. For recreation, Hilltop ski area is managing to open, and there are some cross country trails around Kinkaid Park. The skating has been really good everywhere. I skated this weekend on the hiking trail from Jewel Lake to Sand Lake and back. Did not have to take my skates off. The fat tire bikes are having fun but hikers needs spikes just about everywhere. So we have traded in our big snow year (so far) for wind and ice. Copying this message to our friend Rick Thoman, for his insights on the wind machine that has become Southcentral this winter.

Update: January 26, 2025. Hydrologic river hitting Anchorage, and the wind still blowing. All of the snow and most of the ice is now gone. Flooding and falling trees is the current concerns.

LEO Network Says:

We reached out to our weather and climate analysis friends for their insights. LEO Network members are welcome to share in comments on your thoughts on the winter conditions.

Comment from Gemini:

Several related posts highlight unusual wind and weather patterns in Alaska, creating a context for the current observation of unrelenting wind in Anchorage. Many posts describe high winds and unusual warmth across different regions and seasons of Alaska, including Southcentral, Northwest, and Western Alaska. These events span several years, suggesting a possible trend.

• Warm Temperatures and Precipitation as Rain: Several posts report unusually warm temperatures and precipitation falling as rain instead of snow (1/8/2025, 1/3/2025, 12/18/2021, 12/28/2015, 12/10/2013). This lack of snow cover and the presence of rain can exacerbate the impacts of high winds, leading to flooding, landslides (1/12/2025), and hazardous road conditions. The warmth also affects sea ice formation and stability, disrupting traditional winter activities and subsistence practices (1/3/2025).

• High Winds Across Regions and Seasons: Numerous posts detail high wind events across various regions of Alaska, impacting both coastal and inland areas (1/12/2025, 6/21/2023, 6/11/2023, 2/4/2022, 12/18/2021, 12/5/2021, 9/13/2021, 12/22/2020, 12/16/2020, 11/25/2019, 5/6/2018, 5/4/2018, 1/13/2018, 12/11/2017). These events have occurred during various seasons, including summer, fall, and winter, suggesting a potential shift in wind patterns beyond seasonal norms. The post from 9/13/2021 even suggests a potential increase in high-wind storms in Western Alaska due to climate change.

• Impact of Winds: The documented impacts of these high wind events include power outages (1/12/2025, 12/5/2021, 12/22/2020, 12/16/2020, 11/25/2019, 12/11/2017), damage to homes and infrastructure (12/18/2021, 12/16/2020), dangerous travel conditions (1/12/2025), and disruption of air travel (11/25/2019, 5/4/2018). The loss of sea ice due to wind further compounds the vulnerability of coastal communities to erosion and flooding (11/25/2019).

The observation of persistent winds in Anchorage this winter, coupled with the related posts, suggests a possible connection to larger climatic trends. Increasingly frequent and intense wind events could have significant implications for Alaskan communities, infrastructure, and traditional ways of life. Further investigation and monitoring of wind patterns are crucial for understanding and adapting to these changes. The National Weather Service in Alaska provides up to date forecasts and information regarding current wind conditions: https://www.weather.gov/arh/