Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Passage Canal Through Wednesday

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) Anchorage AK has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the Passage Canal region. This alert is classified as severe, with hazardous conditions likely to impact maritime activities.

Affected Areas

The primary geographic area affected is Passage Canal (PKZ723) along the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast.

What You Should Do

The NWS recommends that mariners avoid the area during the warning period. Heavy freezing spray can cause rapid and significant ice accumulation on vessels, which can lead to stability issues and dangerous operating conditions. Residents and operators should monitor local maritime forecasts for updates.

Expected Conditions

Conditions are expected to deteriorate throughout Tuesday and Wednesday:

• Winds: West winds will increase from 15–25 knots this afternoon to 30–40 knots tonight and Wednesday.
• Wind Gusts: Gusts are expected to reach 40 knots this afternoon and increase to 55 knots overnight and through Wednesday.
• Seas: Wave heights will build from 2–4 feet today to 6 feet by Wednesday.
• Ice Accumulation: Freezing spray is expected to begin Tuesday afternoon, transitioning into heavy freezing spray tonight and continuing through Wednesday.

Timeline

The Heavy Freezing Spray Warning is effective starting at 5:00 PM AKST on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. The warning is currently scheduled to expire at 5:00 PM AKST on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.