Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Glacier Bay and Southeast Alaska Inside Waters

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Juneau, AK, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the Glacier Bay region. This alert is in effect alongside a Gale Warning for the same area. The warning was issued on the morning of February 16 and remains active through early February 17.

Affected Areas

The primary area affected is Glacier Bay, specifically within the Southeast Alaska Inside Waters extending from Dixon Entrance to Skagway. Conditions are expected to be most severe north of Lone Island, while light freezing spray is anticipated in the south bay area south of Lone Island.

What You Should Do

Official guidance indicates that individuals should avoid the affected maritime areas. Mariners should take immediate precautions to protect vessels from heavy ice accumulation and gale-force winds. Monitor updated forecasts from NWS Juneau for changes in sea conditions.

Expected Conditions

Weather conditions vary by specific location within the bay:

• North of Lone Island: North winds of 45 knots are expected this afternoon with gusts reaching up to 60 knots. Seas are forecast at 9 feet with heavy freezing spray.
• South of Lone Island: North winds of 35 knots with seas at 7 feet. Light freezing spray is expected in the south bay.
• Tonight: North winds will continue at 45 knots with gusts to 60 knots and 9-foot seas, maintaining freezing spray conditions.
• Tuesday: Conditions are expected to begin subsiding with north winds at 30 knots and 6-foot seas.

Timeline

The Heavy Freezing Spray Warning is effective as of 8:28 AM AKST on Monday, February 16. The warning is currently scheduled to expire at 5:00 AM AKST on Tuesday, February 17. Conditions are expected to continue improving through Wednesday and Thursday as wind speeds and sea heights decrease.