Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Valdez Narrows Through Sunday

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Anchorage, AK, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the Valdez Narrows region. This alert is currently in effect and is scheduled to remain active through Sunday afternoon.

Affected Areas

The primary geographic region impacted by this warning is the Valdez Narrows (PKZ721). This area is part of the coastal waters forecast for the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast, which includes regions up to 100 nm out including Kodiak Island and Cook Inlet.

What You Should Do

Mariners and residents in the affected area are advised to avoid the waters during this period. Heavy freezing spray can cause significant ice accumulation on vessels, which may lead to stability issues or hazardous operating conditions. The recommended response is to avoid the hazard.

Expected Conditions

The forecast indicates the following conditions for the duration of the warning:

• Wind: North winds sustained at 30 knots.
• Seas: Average wave heights of 3 feet.
• Hazard: Heavy freezing spray is expected to persist through Sunday.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 4:00 AM AKST on February 28, 2026. It is expected to remain in effect until 5:00 PM AKST on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Conditions are forecast to begin improving by Sunday night, with winds decreasing to 25 knots.