Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Northern Lynn Canal

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Juneau has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the Northern Lynn Canal. This alert is issued in conjunction with a Gale Warning and a subsequent Small Craft Advisory for the region.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically impacts the Northern Lynn Canal (PKZ012).

What You Should Do

Mariners are urged to prepare for dangerous accumulation of ice on their vessels. The NWS recommends remaining in port, seeking safe harbor, or avoiding the warning area entirely. If at sea, mariners should alter course and secure the vessel for hazardous conditions to prevent the loss of stability.

Expected Conditions

• Ice Accumulation: Heavy freezing spray is expected at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater, which may rapidly accumulate on decks and superstructures.
• Wind Speeds: Northwest winds of 25 to 35 knots with gusts up to 45 knots are expected during the Gale Warning. Winds will shift to the north at 20 to 30 knots with gusts to 35 knots during the Small Craft Advisory.
• Sea Conditions: Seas are forecast to reach 6 to 8 feet.
• Operational Hazards: Freezing spray may render mechanical and electronic components inoperative. Rapid ice accretion poses a risk of catastrophic loss of vessel stability, while strong winds and hazardous seas could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.

Timeline

• Heavy Freezing Spray Warning: Effective from 9:00 PM AKST Sunday, March 1, until 3:00 AM AKST Monday, March 2.
• Gale Warning: In effect until 3:00 AM AKST Monday, March 2.
• Small Craft Advisory: Effective from 3:00 AM to 6:00 PM AKST Monday, March 2.