Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Glacier Bay Through Wednesday Morning

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Juneau, AK, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the Glacier Bay region. This alert is issued alongside a Small Craft Advisory and follows a Gale Warning that remains in effect for the immediate early morning hours.

Affected Areas

• Glacier Bay, Alaska (Marine Zone PKZ011)

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to take immediate precautions to prepare for dangerous ice accumulation on their vessels. The NWS recommends that mariners:

• Remain in port if possible.
• Seek safe harbor or alter course to avoid the warning area.
• Conduct mitigation efforts and secure vessels for hazardous conditions.
• Be aware that rapid ice accretion on decks and superstructures can lead to a catastrophic loss of stability.

Expected Conditions

• Ice Accumulation: Heavy freezing spray is expected at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater.
• Wind Speeds: North winds of 20 to 30 knots with gusts up to 40 knots are expected during the warning period.
• Preceding Conditions: A Gale Warning is active until 6:00 AM AKST Tuesday with north winds of 30 to 40 knots and gusts reaching 55 knots.
• Hazards: Freezing spray may render mechanical and electronic components inoperative. Strong winds will create hazardous seas that could capsize or damage vessels and significantly reduce visibility.

Timeline

• Gale Warning: In effect until 6:00 AM AKST Tuesday, February 17.
• Heavy Freezing Spray Warning: Effective from 6:00 AM AKST Tuesday, February 17, until 3:00 AM AKST Wednesday, February 18.
• Small Craft Advisory: Effective from 6:00 AM AKST Tuesday, February 17, until 3:00 AM AKST Wednesday, February 18.