Highlights

The Iditarod race started off on the 2nd of the month with very difficult trail conditions due to unusual weather this winter. The race ended on the 11th with a very strong storm hitting the Nome coastal area. A lack of snow caused the closure of Turnagain pass area to snowmachines on the 7th. Heavy snowfall and avalanche warnings were issued for the Portage and Moose Pass areas on the 10th. A high wind warning was issued for Anchorage on the 12th. A winter storm on the 14th dumped between one and three feet of snow across parts of Anchorage area with 27" falling up on the hillside. Thirteen flights were diverted from Anchorage to Fairbanks, while one flight went to Kenai, where the passengers had to spend the night at the Kenai Airport. All that snow resulted in three major avalanches in the Chugach Mountains, however no one was hurt. The mild winter resulted in less snowpack on the Denali Park Road, and road crews began work clearing the road during the second half of the month. This is very different from last years late spring and heavy snow load on the road. The road was open to Savage River by the end of the month.