Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Valdez Narrows Through Monday Morning

Alert Details

A Heavy Freezing Spray Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Anchorage AK. This alert indicates a high likelihood of significant ice accumulation on vessels and structures within the specified maritime zone. The alert is classified with a severity level of ‘Severe’ by the issuing agency.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the Valdez Narrows (UGC: PKZ721) in the coastal waters of the Northern Gulf of Alaska.

What You Should Do

Mariners and residents in the affected area are advised to take necessary precautions. The official response recommendation is to avoid travel or operations in the warning area during the effective period to prevent dangerous ice accumulation on vessels, which can impact stability and safety. Monitor local maritime forecasts for updates.

Expected Conditions

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

• Wind: North winds sustained at 30 to 35 knots.
• Seas: Average wave heights of 3 to 4 feet.
• Hazard: Heavy freezing spray is expected to develop and persist throughout the warning period.

Timeline

The Heavy Freezing Spray Warning is scheduled to take effect at 5:00 AM AKST on Sunday, March 1, 2026. The warning is currently set to expire at 5:00 AM AKST on Monday, March 2, 2026.