Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Passage Canal Through Thursday Afternoon

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) Anchorage AK has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the Passage Canal region. This alert is effective immediately and remains in place through late Thursday afternoon. Additionally, a Gale Warning is in effect through Wednesday night.

Affected Areas

The primary geographic area affected is Passage Canal. The broader Coastal Waters Forecast includes the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast up to 100 nautical miles out, including Kodiak Island and Cook Inlet.

What You Should Do

Official guidance recommends that mariners and those in the affected coastal zones avoid the area. Heavy freezing spray can cause rapid ice accumulation on vessels, which poses a significant risk to stability and safety. Ensure all equipment is secured and monitor local maritime communications for updates.

Expected Conditions

Severe maritime conditions are forecast for the duration of the alert:

• Winds: West winds at 40 knots today with gusts reaching up to 55 knots. Winds will remain strong tonight at 35 knots (gusts to 50 knots) and Thursday at 30 knots (gusts to 40 knots).
• Seas: Average wave heights of 6 feet today, subsiding slightly to 5 feet tonight and 4 feet on Thursday.
• Ice Accumulation: Heavy freezing spray is expected to persist through Thursday afternoon.

Timeline

• Effective Date: February 25, 2026, at 3:16 AM AKST
• Expected Duration: The warning is active through February 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM AKST.
• Outlook: Conditions are expected to improve by Thursday night, with winds decreasing to 25 knots and freezing spray hazards diminishing.