The moon sets behind mountains in Turnagain Pass on the Kenai Peninsula. (Loren Holmes / ADN file)
Heavy snow is forecast for Turnagain Pass on Thursday, making for potentially challenging driving conditions through the Seward Highway corridor on the northern Kenai Peninsula.
The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement Wednesday afternoon warning of periods of heavy snow for Turnagain and Moose Pass, with forecasts calling for up to 12 inches of snow in the pass.
The weather service warned that temperatures dropping into the low 20s Wednesday night in the area, which also includes Moose Pass, Summit Lake and Hope, would make the ground cold enough to allow snow to accumulate along portions of the highway. Roads also may become icy before the snow starts to fall, causing slippery conditions for drivers, according to the weather statement. Any snow is expected to end by Friday morning.
Snow is also expected to develop late Wednesday in Thompson Pass near Valdez, increasing in intensity through Thursday morning, according to the weather service. North winds are also expected to trigger blowing snow conditions for drivers Thursday morning. Steady snow is expected to taper off by afternoon.
A winter weather advisory has been issued for blowing snow in Thompson Pass on Thursday. Snowfall rates increase tonight, visibility as low as one half mile through much of Thursday. Snow tapers off Thursday evening, allowing visibility to improve. #akwx pic.twitter.com/xWCcPeMr8K
— NWS Anchorage (@NWSAnchorage) November 6, 2025
The forecast for Anchorage on Thursday called for snow, with less than an inch of accumulation for western parts of the city and 2 to 4 inches at higher elevations.
Avalanche forecasters this week warned of “a very active glide avalanche cycle” in Chugach National Forest, which includes popular backcountry routes in Turnagain Pass.
Friends of the Chugach Avalanche Center said in a Facebook post that a layered snowpack has developed due to multiple previous storms, including rain mixed with clear periods.
“If you are getting out it will be important to carefully assess conditions before moving into steeper terrain,” the post said. “There is always a higher level of uncertainty this time of year, so consider keeping your objectives modest to hedge your bets in case you get caught by surprise.”
The center reported several recent avalanches, including one over the weekend on Tincan Peak in Turnagain Pass in which skiers were caught and carried but able to ride away.
