I can only think of one winter, 1999 to be specific, that there has been this much snow on the lower Kenai Peninsula. The system that has hammered us this winter has been relentless; a combination of cold temperatures, high winds, and lots of snow.
We were lucky enough to be in Arizona for a few weeks, and I thought that the nastiness would only last a few weeks. I was wrong, this has lasted a few months.
There have been a few lulls in the action that have allowed us to go out, play, and enjoy this winter wonderland.
I guess this is what keeps the crowds away.