Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Valdez Narrows Through Monday Afternoon

Alert Details

A Heavy Freezing Spray Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Anchorage AK. This alert is classified as a severe meteorological event with likely certainty, indicating a significant hazard to maritime operations in the region.

Affected Areas

The primary geographic area affected by this warning is the Valdez Narrows (PKZ721). This is part of the broader Coastal Waters Forecast for the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast.

What You Should Do

The National Weather Service recommends that mariners and residents avoid the affected area during the warning period. Heavy freezing spray can cause rapid ice accumulation on vessels, which can lead to stability issues and dangerous operating conditions.

Expected Conditions

According to the NWS forecast, the following conditions are expected in the Valdez Narrows:

• Winds: North winds sustained at 30 to 35 knots.
• Seas: Wave heights between 3 and 4 feet.
• Hazard: Heavy freezing spray is expected to persist through Monday.

Timeline

• Effective Date: March 1, 2026, at 3:40 AM AKST
• Expected Duration: The heavy freezing spray conditions are forecast to continue through Monday, March 2.
• Warning End Time: March 2, 2026, at 5:00 PM AKST