Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Southwest Alaska Coastal Waters

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Anchorage, AK, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning (NWS code UPW) for specific coastal waters. This alert is in effect from early Sunday morning through early Monday morning.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the coastal waters from Port Heiden to Nelson Lagoon, extending from 15 to 60 nautical miles offshore. This region includes portions of the Southwest Alaska, Bristol Bay, and Alaska Peninsula waters.

What You Should Do

Mariners and vessel operators are advised to avoid the warning area. Heavy freezing spray can cause rapid ice accumulation on vessels, which poses a significant risk to vessel stability and safety at sea.

Expected Conditions

• Winds: Northeast winds are forecast at 30 knots on Sunday, decreasing slightly to 25 knots by Sunday night.
• Seas: Average wave heights are expected to reach 10 feet on Sunday, subsiding to approximately 7 feet by Sunday night.
• Hazard: Heavy freezing spray is expected to persist throughout the duration of the warning period.

Timeline

The warning officially begins at 5:00 AM AKST on Sunday, March 1, 2026. The alert is currently scheduled to expire at 5:00 AM AKST on Monday, March 2, 2026.