Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Nelson Lagoon to Cape Sarichef Coastal Waters
The National Weather Service has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for Southwest Alaska coastal waters, effective Thursday evening through Friday morning.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service (NWS) Anchorage AK has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for specific coastal waters in Southwest Alaska. This alert is issued when conditions are favorable for significant ice accumulation on vessels, which can pose a serious threat to maritime safety.
Affected Areas
The warning specifically covers the region from Nelson Lagoon to Cape Sarichef, extending from 15 to 70 nautical miles (NM) offshore. This includes portions of the Southwest Alaska, Bristol Bay, and Alaska Peninsula waters.
What You Should Do
Operating in these conditions is hazardous. The NWS recommends that mariners avoid the warning area. Heavy freezing spray can cause rapid ice buildup on decks and superstructures, potentially compromising vessel stability and safety.
Expected Conditions
Conditions are expected to deteriorate significantly on Thursday night. Forecasted conditions include:
- Winds: Northeast winds at 35 knots.
- Seas: Wave heights reaching 12 feet.
- Precipitation: Snow is expected alongside the freezing spray.
- Spray: Heavy freezing spray accumulation is likely during the peak of the storm.
Timeline
The Heavy Freezing Spray Warning is scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM AKST on Thursday, March 5, 2026. The warning is currently set to expire at 5:00 AM AKST on Friday, March 6, 2026.
Source: NOAA Official Notice