Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Bristol Bay from Port Heiden to Cape Chichagof

Alert Details

A Heavy Freezing Spray Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service in Anchorage, AK. This alert indicates that conditions are favorable for significant ice accumulation on vessels, which can pose a severe hazard to maritime operations.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers Bristol Bay from Port Heiden to Cape Chichagof, extending out to 15 nautical miles. This includes the coastal waters of Southwest Alaska and the Alaska Peninsula.

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to avoid the warning area. Heavy freezing spray can lead to rapid ice accumulation on decks and superstructures, potentially compromising vessel stability. Residents and operators in the region should monitor local weather updates and ensure all safety equipment is accessible.

Expected Conditions

• Wind: Northwest winds are expected to remain steady at 25 knots through Wednesday night.
• Seas: In ice-free waters, seas are forecast to build from 3 feet to 6 feet after midnight tonight, peaking at approximately 7 feet on Wednesday.
• Accumulation: Heavy freezing spray is expected to begin after midnight tonight and persist throughout Wednesday and Wednesday night.

Timeline

The Heavy Freezing Spray Warning is effective starting at 5:00 AM AKST on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. The warning is currently scheduled to expire at 5:00 AM AKST on Thursday, February 26, 2026. Conditions are expected to improve by Thursday morning as winds shift to the north at 15 knots.