Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Southern Lynn Canal Through Saturday

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Juneau has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the Southern Lynn Canal. The alert is currently in effect and is scheduled to remain active until Saturday afternoon.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the Southern Lynn Canal within the Southeast Alaska Inside Waters, specifically the region extending from Dixon Entrance to Skagway.

What You Should Do

Operating in these conditions is highly hazardous. The National Weather Service recommends that mariners avoid the area. Heavy freezing spray can cause rapid ice accumulation on vessels, which may significantly impact stability and safety.

Expected Conditions

Severe maritime weather is forecast for the region:

• Wind: North winds of 45 knots with gusts up to 55 knots. Conditions may reach storm-force levels of 50 knots by Saturday night.
• Seas: Wave heights are expected to average 15 feet, potentially reaching 17 feet during peak wind periods.
• Accumulation: Heavy freezing spray is expected throughout the warning period, which can lead to dangerous ice buildup on exposed surfaces.

Timeline

The Heavy Freezing Spray Warning is effective as of February 20 at 11:41 PM AKST and is currently set to expire at 5:00 PM AKST on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Gale-force conditions are expected to persist through the duration of the alert.