Alaska is no stranger to snowstorms, but some of them stand out for their intensity and impact. One such storm occurred on December 29-30, 1955, when a record-breaking 120.6 inches of snow fell in Thompson Pass, near Valdez. This was the biggest snowfall in Alaska history, and one of the most extreme snow events ever recorded on Earth.
What caused the storm?
The storm was the result of a perfect combination of factors: a low-pressure system in the Gulf of Alaska, a strong jet stream, and abundant moisture from the Pacific Ocean. These elements created a powerful snow machine that dumped snow at a rate of over five inches per hour in Thompson Pass, a narrow gap in the Chugach Mountains that acts as a natural funnel for snow.
The storm was so intense that it broke the world record for the most snowfall in a single day, with 62 inches falling in 24 hours. The previous record was 57 inches, set in Copper River, Alaska, in 1918. The storm also surpassed the previous record for the most snowfall in a two-day period, with 120.6 inches. The previous record was 113 inches, set in Mount Shasta, California, in 1959.
What were the effects of the storm?
The storm caused widespread disruption and damage in the region. Many roads, including the Richardson Highway, were blocked by snowdrifts up to 20 feet high. Some buildings collapsed under the weight of the snow, and power lines were snapped. Many people were stranded in their homes or vehicles, and had to rely on emergency supplies and rescue efforts. The storm also triggered several avalanches, some of which buried parts of the highway and railroad tracks.
The storm also had some positive effects, however. It replenished the snowpack in the mountains, which is vital for the hydroelectric power and water supply of Valdez. It also created ideal conditions for skiing and snowboarding, attracting many enthusiasts to the area. The storm also became a source of pride and fascination for the locals, who dubbed it the “Snowmageddon” or the “Snowpocalypse”.
How does the storm compare to other snowstorms in Alaska and the world?
The storm of 1955 remains the biggest snowfall in Alaska history, and one of the most extreme snow events ever recorded on Earth. However, it is not the only remarkable snowstorm that Alaska has experienced. Here are some other notable examples:
- In 1926, Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow), the northernmost town in Alaska, received 88 inches of snow in October, the snowiest month on record for the town.
- In 1932, Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, in central Alaska, received 36 inches of snow in one day, the highest one-day snowfall for the area.
- In 1959, Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska, received 44 inches of snow in one day, the highest one-day snowfall for the city.
- In 1995, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, in south-central Alaska, received 42 inches of snow in one day, the highest one-day snowfall for the borough.
- In 2012, Haines Borough, in southeast Alaska, received 42 inches of snow in one day, the highest one-day snowfall for the borough.
Compared to other snowstorms in the world, the storm of 1955 ranks among the top five for the most snowfall in a single day and in a two-day period. The only places that have received more snow in a single day are Capracotta, Italy (100.8 inches in 2015), Silver Lake, Colorado (75.8 inches in 1921), and Tamarack, California (75 inches in 1911). The only place that has received more snow in a two-day period is Capracotta, Italy (256.6 inches in 2015).
Conclusion
The storm of 1955 was the biggest snowfall in Alaska history, and one of the most extreme snow events ever recorded on Earth. It was caused by a powerful combination of atmospheric factors that created a snow machine over Thompson Pass, near Valdez. The storm caused widespread disruption and damage, but also some positive effects and lasting memories. The storm remains a remarkable example of the power and beauty of nature, and the resilience and adaptability of the people of Alaska.