Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Valdez Narrows Through Sunday Afternoon

Weather Alerts high NOAA · · Valdez Narrows, Alaska

The National Weather Service in Anchorage has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for Valdez Narrows, with 35-knot winds and heavy ice accumulation expected through Sunday.

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Anchorage, AK, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the Valdez Narrows. This alert is in effect alongside a Gale Warning for the region.

Affected Areas

The primary geographic area impacted by this warning is the Valdez Narrows (PKZ721) within the coastal waters of the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast.

What You Should Do

The NWS recommends that mariners and residents avoid the affected waters during this period. Heavy freezing spray can cause significant ice accumulation on vessels, which may lead to stability issues and hazardous maritime conditions.

Expected Conditions

  • Wind: North winds are expected to reach speeds of 35 knots today and through Sunday.
  • Seas: Average wave heights are forecast at 4 feet.
  • Hazard: Heavy freezing spray is expected to persist throughout the duration of the warning.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 8:10 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 expected to begin improving Sunday night, with winds decreasing to 25 knots and seas subsiding to 3 feet.

Source: NOAA Official Notice