Blog Two, Air Masses and Maps

Blog 2                                                                                     Deadhorse, Alaska           

Deadhorse, being located in the Arctic, falls in the maritime arctic and continental arctic air masses. Its particular location, edging on the Beaufort Sea, places it in a semi permanent pressure pattern, named the Beaufort High, which is a high-pressure center or ridge, predominately present in winter. So what does that mean for the local weather? It is predominately blown in from the east and northeast. The Brooks mountain range to the southwest of Deadhorse, acts as the barrier to block air masses from the south, so for the local weather, the major influence is the ocean and the continental polar air mass. Combine these and small intense storms develop. Though short-lived, they can produce blizzard conditions in winter and near tropical conditions in summer. Fog and freezing mist are common conditions in the fall. The deep winter type conditions typically occur in late December through March.

            The image below, Figure 1, displays an updated daily prevalent weather condition. Interesting how fog consumes approximately one-quarter of the state.

Figure 1, courtesy of National Digital Forecast Database

Figure 2, courtesy of NOAA

Figure 2, is a Northern Hemisphere map of current frontal activity as of 11/1/11. As you view the North Alaskan coast you see the cold front approaching landfall verifying the forecast of : Overcast with snow showers. High of 27°F with a wind chill of -15°F. Winds from the SW at 20 mph with gusts to 44. Chance of snow 80% with accumulations up to 2.0 in possible. (1)

1. Weather Underground: Deadhorse Alpine Airstrip, AK.