U.S. Snow Report Today

Arctic Fronts Bring Snow to Alaska's North Slope While Lower 48 Sees Modest Activity

Snow enthusiasts looking for significant accumulation should turn their attention northward, as Alaska's remote Brooks Range prepares for the most substantial snowfall across the nation over the next 48 hours. While the Lower 48 has recorded minimal activity with just 2 inches falling at scattered observation sites in Washington's Cascades and Colorado's San Juan Mountains, Alaska's North Slope is positioned to receive up to 6 inches of fresh snow amid challenging conditions that include freezing fog and mixed precipitation.

The past 24 hours have been relatively quiet across the continental United States, with Sawmill Ridge in Washington's central Cascades recording 2 inches of new snow atop a robust 170-inch base. This observation point near Snoqualmie Pass sits in prime terrain for the region's ski resorts, though thunderstorm activity is expected to curtail any additional accumulation. Meanwhile, Colorado's Vallecito area in the San Juans also measured 2 inches, but with only a 3-inch base and incoming thunderstorms, conditions remain marginal for this time of season.

These modest totals reflect a transitional weather pattern across the western mountains, with convective activity dominating rather than sustained orographic snowfall.

The forecast spotlight belongs firmly to Alaska's remote northern reaches, where Imnaviat Creek leads the nation with 6 inches of expected snow accompanied by areas of fog and a minimal 2-inch base. Located along the Dalton Highway corridor at approximately 68.6°N latitude, this region will experience classic Arctic spring conditions with rain-snow mix at lower elevations. Atigun Pass, the highest point on the Dalton Highway at 4,800 feet elevation, should receive 4 inches while battling freezing fog conditions that will create treacherous visibility for the handful of truckers servicing Alaska's North Slope oilfields.

Even Prudhoe Bay at sea level expects 2 inches before transitioning to rain, highlighting the marginal temperatures defining this weather system. While these totals may seem modest compared to major winter storms, they represent significant May accumulation for these Arctic locations, where the snow season extends far beyond the Lower 48's typical timeframe.