Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Bristol Bay Waters Through Thursday Morning
The National Weather Service in Anchorage has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for Bristol Bay, with extreme accumulation rates expected near the ice edge.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service (NWS) Anchorage AK has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the maritime region of Bristol Bay. The alert is classified as a severe meteorological event with a high likelihood of occurrence.
Affected Areas
The warning specifically covers Bristol Bay waters greater than 15 nautical miles (NM) out. This includes the coastal waters of Southwest Alaska, the Alaska Peninsula, and the Aleutian Islands up to 100 NM out.
What You Should Do
Mariners are advised to avoid the warning area. Extreme freezing spray at a rate of 4 cm per hour or greater may rapidly accumulate on vessels, particularly those operating near the ice edge. This accumulation can significantly impact vessel stability and safety.
Expected Conditions
- Winds: Northwest winds are expected at 30 knots through tonight, decreasing to 15 knots on Thursday.
- Seas: Wave heights in ice-free waters are forecast at 8 feet today, subsiding to 7 feet tonight and 4 feet by Thursday.
- Spray Accumulation: Heavy freezing spray is expected, with extreme rates of 4 cm per hour or greater possible near the ice edge.
Timeline
The warning is effective as of 3:30 AM AKST on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. The alert is scheduled to remain in effect until 5:00 AM AKST on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
Source: NOAA Official Notice