Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for Sitkinak to Castle Cape Coastal Waters

Weather Alerts high NOAA · · Southwest Alaska Coastal Waters

NWS Anchorage has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for Sitkinak to Castle Cape, effective through Wednesday morning, with extreme accumulation rates expected.

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Anchorage, AK, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for coastal waters. This alert is classified as severe, with hazardous conditions likely to impact maritime operations in the region. A Gale Warning is also in effect through Tuesday night.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the coastal waters from Sitkinak to Castle Cape, extending out to 15 nautical miles. This includes the forecast zone PKZ750.

What You Should Do

Mariners and vessel operators are advised to avoid the warning area. The NWS response recommendation is to avoid these waters as extreme freezing spray can rapidly accumulate on vessels, potentially compromising stability and safety. Monitor local maritime forecasts for updates.

Expected Conditions

Northwest winds are expected at 45 knots, with gusts reaching up to 60 knots out of bays and passes. Seas are forecast to reach heights of 11 to 12 feet. The primary hazard is extreme freezing spray, which is expected to accumulate at a rate of 4 cm per hour or greater.

Timeline

The Heavy Freezing Spray Warning is set to begin at 5:00 AM AKDT on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. The warning remains in effect until 5:00 AM AKDT on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

Source: NOAA Official Notice