A state divided: high pressure vs. low pressure [Video]

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Numerous warnings and advisories are in place for Western Alaska, as a storm track takes aim at the area for the next few days. Snow, high winds, followed by ice glaze will impact the western coasts and inland locations. Winter weather warnings near Kotzebue and Northwest Alaska call for 8-12 inches of snow and winds gusting to 50 mph.

Low pressure systems moving west to east through the Gulf of Alaska are encountering a dome of high pressure, sending them on a northward detour. The ridge is over Southeast Alaska and western Canada and has provided clear skies and sunshine, along with cooler temperatures to that part of the state.

Avalanche danger is still high in the backcountry of Southcentral. High winds are the latest weather element contributing to unstable snowpack conditions. Experts recommend steering clear of the backcountry slopes for the next few days.

The …