Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Glacier Bay Through Monday Morning
Mariners in Glacier Bay face dangerous conditions as NWS Juneau issues a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning, with ice accumulation rates expected to exceed 2 centimeters per hour.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in Juneau has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the Glacier Bay region. This alert is issued alongside a Small Craft Advisory currently in effect for the same area.
Affected Areas
The primary area of concern is Glacier Bay, with the Heavy Freezing Spray Warning specifically targeting the northern arms of the bay.
What You Should Do
Mariners should prepare for dangerous accumulation of ice on their vessels. If possible, remain in port, avoid the warning area, or conduct mitigation. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in these hazardous conditions.
Expected Conditions
North winds are expected between 15 to 25 knots with gusts reaching up to 40 knots. Heavy freezing spray is forecast at a rate of 2 centimeters per hour or greater, which may rapidly accumulate on vessels. Such conditions are hazardous as freezing spray can render mechanical and electronic components inoperative. Rapid ice accretion on decks and superstructures may result in a catastrophic loss of stability.
Timeline
The Heavy Freezing Spray Warning is effective from 9:00 PM AKST Sunday evening until 3:00 AM AKST Monday. The Small Craft Advisory remains in effect until noon AKST on Monday.
Source: NOAA Official Notice