Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Nelson Lagoon to Cape Sarichef Waters

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Anchorage, AK, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the coastal waters of Southwest Alaska. This alert is in effect alongside a Gale Warning for the region, indicating hazardous maritime conditions.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the maritime region from Nelson Lagoon to Cape Sarichef, extending from 15 to 70 nautical miles out. This includes portions of the Alaska Peninsula waters and the Aleutian Islands up to 100 nm out.

What You Should Do

Mariners and vessel operators are advised to avoid the area. Extreme freezing spray can cause rapid ice accumulation on vessels, which may lead to significant stability issues and hazardous operating conditions. Ensure all safety equipment is secured and continue to monitor maritime forecasts for updates.

Expected Conditions

Conditions are expected to deteriorate Thursday night with northeast winds reaching 35 knots and seas rising to 8 feet. Snow is forecast for the area. Most critically, extreme freezing spray is expected at a rate of 4 centimeters per hour or greater, which may rapidly accumulate on vessels. On Friday, northwest winds of 35 knots are expected to diminish to 25 knots in the afternoon, though seas will remain around 8 feet.

Timeline

The Heavy Freezing Spray Warning is effective starting at 5:00 PM AKST on Thursday, March 5, 2026. The warning is currently scheduled to remain in effect until 5:00 PM AKST on Friday, March 6, 2026.