Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Passage Canal Through Wednesday Afternoon

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Anchorage, AK, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the Passage Canal region. This alert is classified as a severe meteorological event with a high likelihood of occurrence, as heavy ice accumulation on vessels is expected.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically impacts the following geographic region:

• Passage Canal (PKZ723)

What You Should Do

Mariners and residents in the affected area are advised to avoid the coastal waters. The National Weather Service recommends a response of “Avoid” due to the hazardous conditions. A Small Craft Advisory is also in effect for the region today.

Expected Conditions

According to the NWS Anchorage office, the following conditions are forecast for Wednesday:

• Wind: West winds at 25 knots, diminishing to 15 knots by the evening.
• Gusts: Wind gusts reaching up to 40 knots, diminishing to 25 knots by the evening.
• Seas: Average wave heights of 3 feet.
• Hazard: Heavy freezing spray is expected throughout the day, which can cause significant ice accumulation on vessels.

Timeline

• Effective Date: March 4, 2026
• Onset: 5:00 AM AKST
• Expiration: The warning is scheduled to expire at 4:30 PM AKST, with the event expected to end by 5:00 PM AKST on Wednesday.