Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Valdez Arm Through Saturday Afternoon

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Anchorage has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the Valdez Arm region. The alert is effective from 3:00 PM AKST on Friday, February 20, through 5:00 PM AKST on Saturday, February 21. A Gale Warning is also in effect for the region during this period.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically impacts the Valdez Arm (PKZ722) within the coastal waters of the Northern Gulf of Alaska.

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to avoid the affected coastal waters. The NWS response recommendation is to avoid the area, as heavy freezing spray can lead to rapid and significant ice accumulation on vessels, which may compromise vessel stability and safety.

Expected Conditions

• Tonight: Northeast winds are forecast at 45 knots with seas reaching 9 feet. Heavy freezing spray is expected throughout the night.
• Saturday: Northeast winds will continue at 40 knots, diminishing to 30 knots late in the day. Seas are expected to be around 8 feet with heavy freezing spray persisting through the morning hours.
• Saturday Night: Conditions are expected to moderate slightly with northeast winds at 30 knots and 6-foot seas, though freezing spray will continue to be a factor.
• Extended Outlook: Winds are expected to remain at 35 knots with 7-foot seas from Tuesday through Wednesday.

Timeline

The Heavy Freezing Spray Warning remains in effect until 5:00 PM AKST on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Freezing spray conditions are expected to transition to standard freezing spray by Saturday night.