Heavy Freezing Spray and Gale Warnings Issued for Southern Lynn Canal, Alaska

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Juneau has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning and a Gale Warning for the Southern Lynn Canal region. These alerts indicate hazardous marine conditions that pose a significant threat to vessel stability and safety.

Affected Areas

The primary area impacted by these warnings is the Southern Lynn Canal.

What You Should Do

Mariners are strongly advised to prepare for dangerous ice accumulation on their vessels. If possible, remain in port or avoid the warning area entirely. Those already at sea should seek safe harbor, alter course, and secure their vessels for hazardous conditions. Operating a vessel in heavy freezing spray is extremely hazardous as it may render mechanical and electronic components inoperative.

Expected Conditions

According to the NWS, the following conditions are expected:

• Winds: North winds 35 to 45 knots with gusts up to 55 knots.
• Seas: Wave heights between 11 and 16 feet.
• Freezing Spray: Heavy freezing spray at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater.

Rapid ice accretion on decks and superstructures may result in a catastrophic loss of stability. Storm-force winds and hazardous seas will increase the risk of capsizing or damaging vessels while significantly reducing visibility.

Timeline

• Gale Warning: In effect until 6:00 PM AKST Saturday, February 21.
• Heavy Freezing Spray Warning: In effect from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM AKST Saturday, February 21.