Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for West of Barren Islands and Kamishak Bay

Weather Alerts high NOAA · · West of Barren Islands, Alaska

The NWS has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for Kamishak Bay, with extreme ice accumulation and 60-knot winds expected through Friday morning.

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) Anchorage AK has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the coastal waters of the Northern Gulf of Alaska. This alert is in effect from Thursday morning through Friday morning.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically impacts the area West of Barren Islands, including Kamishak Bay.

What You Should Do

The NWS recommends that mariners avoid the area during the warning period. Extreme freezing spray at a rate of 4 cm per hour or greater may rapidly accumulate on vessels, posing a significant risk to vessel stability and safety.

Expected Conditions

  • Winds: Northwest winds are expected to reach 45 knots on Thursday, increasing to 60 knots by Thursday night.
  • Seas: Wave heights are forecast to build from 15 feet on Thursday to 19 feet on Thursday night.
  • Ice Accumulation: Extreme freezing spray is expected at a rate of at least 4 cm per hour.

Timeline

The Heavy Freezing Spray Warning begins at 5:00 AM AKST on Thursday, February 19, 2026, and is scheduled to end at 5:00 AM AKST on Friday, February 20, 2026.

Source: NOAA Official Notice