Heavy Freezing Spray and Gale Warnings Issued for Glacier Bay and Northern Lynn Canal

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Juneau has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning and a Gale Warning for maritime regions in Southeast Alaska. The alerts were issued early Monday morning as conditions are expected to deteriorate significantly for mariners.

Affected Areas

The warnings apply to the following geographic regions:

• Glacier Bay
• Northern Lynn Canal

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to prepare for dangerous accumulation of ice on their vessels. The National Weather Service recommends remaining in port if possible. Those currently at sea should avoid the warning area, seek safe harbor, alter course, and secure the vessel for hazardous conditions. Mitigation steps should be taken to address rapid ice accretion.

Expected Conditions

• Freezing Spray: Heavy freezing spray is expected at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater, which may rapidly accumulate on decks and superstructures.
• Wind: North winds of 30 to 40 knots are forecast, with gusts reaching up to 55 knots.
• Seas: Wave heights are expected to range between 6 to 9 feet.
• Impacts: Operating a vessel in these conditions is hazardous. Ice accumulation can render mechanical and electronic components inoperative and may result in a catastrophic loss of stability. Strong winds and hazardous seas could capsize or damage vessels while reducing visibility.

Timeline

• Gale Warning: In effect until 6:00 AM AKST Tuesday, February 17.
• Heavy Freezing Spray Warning: Effective from 6:00 PM AKST Monday evening, February 16, until 6:00 AM AKST Tuesday, February 17.