Valdez Hits Record Snowfall, Clocking In At 202.8 inches – or 16.9 Feet

 Valdez Snowfall Rapidly Approaching Depth Of 17 Feet This Winter 

February 15, 2023

The town of Valdez, down at the end of the Richardson Highway south of the Copper Valley, is doing it again. Famous for its snowfall, Valdez just hit another record. 

So far, according to NOAA in Anchorage, Valdez has reached a new record for January 15th: 202.8 inches. That's 16.9 feet of snow. 

Valdez's unusually deep snows play a large part in the photographic lore of the town. They make for a great photo. 

The snowiest place in America, Valdez usually sees 300 inches of snow every year, while Thompson Pass has up to 900 inches of snow. Last year, Valdez's accumulated snowfall was 285.4 inches by April 10th, 2022. 

Here's a look at past snowfalls in photos: 

Valdez in the winter of 1953

Valdez in 1911. 

...And here's a look at Thompson Pass, last spring:

Thompson Pass on March 20, 2022. (Courtesy Gary Minish)