Weather

Snowfall possible for Anchorage and Valley, but Monday commutes could be spared

Meteorologists expect rainfall on Sunday afternoon to become slushy snow in Southcentral Alaska, but it may not be much of a problem for commuters Monday morning in the Matanuska Valley and the Anchorage Bowl, according to the National Weather Service.

Cold air is moving in from the northwest, creating conditions for the first snowfall in Anchorage, Palmer and Wasilla, said Jason Ahsenmacher, an Anchorage meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

Once the snow starts, it should continue in the area through Monday.

But meteorologists expect snowfall at lower elevations to be light, at most. They don't expect the snow to stick at those levels, where the ground is warm, Ahsenmacher said.

"These first snow events catch people's attention, but the way things look now it will be minimal impact for commuters to Anchorage," he said.

But perhaps two or three inches will accumulate at higher levels, say above 1,000 feet, such as along the Hillside or in Eagle River, he said.

Nailing down when and where the snow will fall, and how much, was difficult on Saturday, he said. It's unknown where various low-pressure weather systems will merge, and at what time.

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Rain should start falling across much of Southcentral Alaska on Sunday morning, the agency said in a Facebook post.

"We expect the rain will change over to snow from west to east during the afternoon or evening hours on Sunday, however this transition will depend entirely on the arrival of the colder air from the northwest," the agency said.

The storm is expected to move into the Copper Basin later Monday, affecting road conditions in the Glennallen area, Ahsenmacher said.

Check weather.gov/Anchorage for updates.

Alex DeMarban

Alex DeMarban is a longtime Alaska journalist who covers business, the oil and gas industries and general assignments. Reach him at 907-257-4317 or alex@adn.com.

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