Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Shelikof Strait Through Sunday Evening

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Anchorage, AK, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the Shelikof Strait. This warning is in effect concurrently with a Gale Warning for the region. The alert was issued early Saturday morning and remains active through Sunday afternoon.

Affected Areas

The primary area affected is the Shelikof Strait (PKZ738). The broader Coastal Waters Forecast includes the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast up to 100 nautical miles out, encompassing Kodiak Island and Cook Inlet.

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to avoid the area if possible. Heavy freezing spray can cause rapid ice accumulation on vessels, which may lead to stability issues and hazardous operating conditions. Ensure all safety equipment is accessible and monitor local marine forecasts for updates.

Expected Conditions

Dangerous maritime conditions are forecast for the duration of the alert:

• Winds: West winds at 35 knots today, increasing to Northwest winds of 40 knots tonight and Sunday. Gusts may reach up to 55 knots out of bays and passes after midnight tonight.
• Seas: Wave heights are expected to range between 9 and 10 feet.
• Freezing Spray: Heavy freezing spray is expected throughout the period, which will contribute to significant ice buildup on exposed surfaces.

Timeline

• Effective Period: The warning is currently in effect as of March 7, 2026.
• Duration: Conditions are expected to persist through Sunday, March 8, with the warning set to expire at 5:00 PM AKST (6:00 PM AKDT). Winds are forecast to remain at 35 knots through Monday morning.