Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Passage Canal, Alaska Through Tuesday

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) Anchorage AK has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the Passage Canal region. 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 Passage Canal (PKZ723). The forecast also notes conditions near Whittier and the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast up to 100 nautical miles out.

What You Should Do

According to the National Weather Service, individuals in the affected area should avoid the water. Heavy freezing spray can cause rapid ice buildup on ships, potentially impacting vessel stability and operations.

Expected Conditions

Weather conditions in the Passage Canal are forecast to include:

• Wind: West winds at 30 knots with gusts up to 40 knots expected near Whittier. Winds are forecast to remain around 25 knots through Tuesday.
• Seas: Wave heights are expected to reach 5 feet tonight, subsiding slightly to 4 feet on Tuesday.
• Hazard: Heavy freezing spray is expected to develop tonight and continue through Tuesday afternoon.

Timeline

The Heavy Freezing Spray Warning is effective starting at 5:00 PM AKDT on Monday, March 9, 2026. The warning is currently scheduled to expire at 5:00 PM AKDT on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. A Small Craft Advisory is also in effect for the region through Tuesday.