Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Shelikof Strait Through Sunday Morning

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Anchorage, AK, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the Shelikof Strait. This alert indicates a severe meteorological event where conditions are likely to cause significant ice accumulation on vessels.

Affected Areas

The warning is specifically in effect for the Shelikof Strait (PKZ738). The broader forecast area includes the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast up to 100 nm out, including Kodiak Island and Cook Inlet.

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to take necessary precautions. The NWS response instruction for this alert is to avoid the area if possible. Heavy freezing spray can lead to rapid ice accumulation on ships, which significantly impacts vessel stability and safety.

Expected Conditions

According to the Coastal Waters Forecast, the following conditions are expected in the Shelikof Strait:

• Saturday: West winds at 40 knots with seas reaching 11 feet. Heavy freezing spray is forecast.
• Saturday Night: West winds at 35 knots with seas at 11 feet. Heavy freezing spray will continue.
• Sunday: Northwest winds at 40 knots with seas at 11 feet.

Wind forecasts reflect the predominant speed and direction expected, while sea forecasts represent an average of the highest one-third of the combined wind wave and swell height.

Timeline

The Heavy Freezing Spray Warning is effective starting at 5:00 AM AKST on Saturday, March 7, 2026. The warning is currently scheduled to remain in effect until 5:00 AM AKST on Sunday, March 8, 2026.