Alert archive / Alaska / Small Craft Advisories in 2018

Small Craft Advisory 979, NWS Anchorage, AK

December 11, 2018

NWS Anchorage, AK issued this small craft advisory at Dec 11, 2018, 4:00 PM AKST. It was in force for 36 hr.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Dec 11, 2018, 4:00 PM AKST (01:00 UTC)
Expired
Dec 13, 2018, 3:43 AM AKST
In force
36 hr
Issued by
NWS Anchorage, AK

The text

As transmitted.

284 
FZAK51 PAFC 120100
CWFAER

Coastal Waters Forecast
National Weather Service Anchorage Alaska
400 PM AKST Tue Dec 11 2018

Coastal Waters Forecast for the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast
up to 100 nm out including Kodiak Island and Cook Inlet.

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

PKZ197-121330-
400 PM AKST Tue Dec 11 2018
.SYNOPSIS FOR THE NORTH GULF COAST+KODIAK ISLAND WATERS+
COOK INLET...A 972 mb low over Prince William Sound will remain nearly 
stationary through Thu morning. A 971 nm North Pacific low will 
move to 280 nm southeast of Sitkinak Wed morning then it will 
move to the eastern Gulf Wed afternoon. The associated front will 
persist over the Gulf through Thu.

$$

PKZ119-121330-
Cape Suckling to Cape Cleare-
400 PM AKST Tue Dec 11 2018

...GALE WARNING TONIGHT AND WEDNESDAY NIGHT...

.TONIGHT...SW wind increasing to 40 kt. Seas building to 20 ft.
.WED...SW wind 25 kt. Seas 16 ft subsiding to 11 ft in the
afternoon. Snow.
.WED NIGHT...NW wind 25 kt becoming W 35 kt after midnight. Seas
14 ft.
.THU...W wind 30 kt. Seas 14 ft.
.THU NIGHT...S wind 25 kt. Seas 10 ft.
.FRI...SE wind 40 kt. Seas 14 ft.
.SAT...E wind 40 kt. Seas 21 ft.
.SUN...E wind 25 kt. Seas 20 ft.

$$

PKZ120-121330-
Cape Cleare to Gore Point-
400 PM AKST Tue Dec 11 2018

...GALE WARNING TONIGHT AND WEDNESDAY NIGHT...

.TONIGHT...W wind 40 kt. Seas 19 ft.
.WED...W wind 30 kt. Seas 13 ft.
.WED NIGHT...NW wind 35 kt. Seas 11 ft.
.THU...W wind 30 kt. Seas 11 ft.
.THU NIGHT...SW wind 20 kt. Seas 9 ft.
.FRI...SE wind 35 kt. Seas 13 ft.
.SAT...E wind 35 kt. Seas 18 ft.
.SUN...E wind 20 kt. Seas 18 ft.

$$

PKZ121-121330-
Resurrection Bay-
400 PM AKST Tue Dec 11 2018

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY WEDNESDAY NIGHT...

.TONIGHT...N wind increasing to 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.WED...N wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft. Snow.
.WED NIGHT...N wind 25 kt. Seas 5 ft. Freezing spray.
.THU...N wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.THU NIGHT...N wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.FRI THROUGH SAT...N wind 25 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.SUN...N wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.

$$

PKZ125-121330-
Prince William Sound-
400 PM AKST Tue Dec 11 2018

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY WEDNESDAY NIGHT...

.TONIGHT...SW wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft. Snow showers.
.WED...S wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.WED NIGHT...NW wind 25 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.THU...NW wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.THU NIGHT...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.FRI THROUGH SAT...NE wind 25 kt. Seas 6 ft.
.SUN...E wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.

$$

PKZ126-121330-
Port Valdez-
400 PM AKST Tue Dec 11 2018

.TONIGHT...E wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft. Widespread snow showers.
.WED...Variable wind less than 10 kt becoming NE 10 kt in the
afternoon. Seas 2 ft. Snow showers.
.WED NIGHT...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft. 
.THU AND THU NIGHT...NE wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.FRI...E wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.SAT...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.SUN...NE wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ127-121330-
Valdez Narrows-
400 PM AKST Tue Dec 11 2018

.TONIGHT...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft. Widespread snow showers.
.WED...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft. Snow showers.
.WED NIGHT...N wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft. Freezing spray.
.THU...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.THU NIGHT...NE wind 25 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.FRI...NE wind 25 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.SAT...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.SUN...NE wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ128-121330-
Valdez Arm-
400 PM AKST Tue Dec 11 2018

.TONIGHT...NE wind 10 kt becoming Variable wind 15 kt after
midnight. Seas 3 ft. Widespread snow showers.
.WED...Variable wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft. Snow showers.
.WED NIGHT...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft. Snow.
.THU...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.THU NIGHT...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.FRI THROUGH SUN...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.

$$

PKZ129-121330-
Passage Canal-
400 PM AKST Tue Dec 11 2018

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY WEDNESDAY NIGHT...

.TONIGHT...W wind 10 kt increasing to 20 kt after midnight. Seas
3 ft. Snow.
.WED...W wind 15 kt becoming E 20 kt in the afternoon. Seas 2 ft.
Snow.
.WED NIGHT...W wind 25 kt. Gusts to 35 kt near Whittier. Seas 4 ft. 
Freezing spray. Snow.
.THU...W wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.THU NIGHT...Variable wind less than 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.FRI...E wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.SAT THROUGH SUN...E wind 15 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ130-121330-
West of Barren Islands including Kamishak Bay-
400 PM AKST Tue Dec 11 2018

...GALE WARNING THROUGH WEDNESDAY...

.TONIGHT...W wind 45 kt. Seas 17 ft.
.WED...W wind 35 kt. Seas 14 ft.
.WED NIGHT...W wind 25 kt. Seas 8 ft. Freezing spray.
.THU...Variable wind 10 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.THU NIGHT...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.FRI THROUGH SAT...N wind 30 kt. Seas 8 ft.
.SUN...NW wind 25 kt. Seas 5 ft.

$$

PKZ131-121330-
Barren Islands East-
400 PM AKST Tue Dec 11 2018

...GALE WARNING TONIGHT AND WEDNESDAY NIGHT...

.TONIGHT...W wind 40 kt. Seas 16 ft.
.WED...W wind 30 kt. Seas 10 ft.
.WED NIGHT...NW wind 35 kt. Seas 10 ft.
.THU AND THU NIGHT...W wind 20 kt. Seas 9 ft.
.FRI...E wind 30 kt. Seas 11 ft.
.SAT...NE wind 30 kt. Seas 19 ft.
.SUN...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 19 ft.

$$

PKZ132-121330-
Marmot Island to Sitkinak-
400 PM AKST Tue Dec 11 2018

...GALE WARNING WEDNESDAY NIGHT...

.TONIGHT...W wind 30 kt becoming NW 20 kt after midnight. Seas
16 ft.
.WED...NW wind 25 kt. Seas 10 ft.
.WED NIGHT...W wind 35 kt. Seas 14 ft. Snow.
.THU...W wind 30 kt. Seas 15 ft.
.THU NIGHT...W wind 20 kt. Seas 12 ft.
.FRI...E wind 35 kt. Seas 11 ft.
.SAT...NE wind 25 kt. Seas 19 ft.
.SUN...NW wind 20 kt. Seas 19 ft.

$$

PKZ136-121330-
Chiniak Bay-
400 PM AKST Tue Dec 11 2018

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY TONIGHT...

.TONIGHT...W wind 25 kt diminishing to 15 kt after midnight. Gusts to
50 kt in the evening. Seas 4 ft subsiding to 2 ft after midnight.
.WED...W wind 15 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.WED NIGHT...W wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft. Freezing spray.
.THU...W wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.THU NIGHT...W wind 15 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.FRI...E wind 25 kt. Seas 8 ft.
.SAT...NE wind 25 kt. Seas 7 ft.
.SUN...NW wind 15 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ137-121330-
Marmot Bay-
400 PM AKST Tue Dec 11 2018

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY TONIGHT...

.TONIGHT...W wind 25 kt diminishing to 15 kt after midnight. Gusts to
50 kt in the evening. Seas 6 ft subsiding to 3 ft after midnight.
.WED...W wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.WED NIGHT...W wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft. Freezing spray.
.THU...W wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.THU NIGHT...SW wind 15 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.FRI...E wind 25 kt. Seas 10 ft.
.SAT...NE wind 25 kt. Seas 8 ft.
.SUN...NW wind 15 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ138-121330-
Shelikof Strait-
400 PM AKST Tue Dec 11 2018

...GALE WARNING TONIGHT...

.TONIGHT...W wind 35 kt. Seas 9 ft.
.WED...W wind 25 kt. Seas 7 ft.
.WED NIGHT...NW wind 20 kt. Seas 5 ft subsiding to 3 ft after
midnight. Freezing spray.
.THU AND THU NIGHT...SW wind 15 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.FRI...E wind 30 kt. Seas 9 ft.
.SAT...N wind 30 kt. Seas 8 ft.
.SUN...NW wind 20 kt. Seas 5 ft.

$$

PKZ139-121330-
Cook Inlet Kalgin Island to Point Bede-
400 PM AKST Tue Dec 11 2018

...GALE WARNING TONIGHT...

.TONIGHT...W wind 40 kt diminishing to 30 kt after midnight. Seas
12 ft.
.WED...W wind 30 kt. Seas 10 ft.
.WED NIGHT...NW wind 20 kt. Seas 5 ft. Freezing spray.
.THU...NW wind 10 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.THU NIGHT...N wind 20 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.FRI THROUGH SAT...N wind 30 kt. Seas 8 ft.
.SUN...N wind 20 kt. Seas 5 ft.

$$

PKZ140-121330-
Cook Inlet North of Kalgin Island-
400 PM AKST Tue Dec 11 2018

.TONIGHT...W wind 20 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.WED...NW wind 10 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.WED NIGHT...NW wind 10 kt increasing to 15 kt after midnight.
Seas 3 ft.
.THU...N wind 10 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.THU NIGHT...N wind 15 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.FRI THROUGH SAT...N wind 25 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.SUN...N wind 20 kt. Seas 5 ft.

$$

PKZ141-121330-
Kachemak Bay-
400 PM AKST Tue Dec 11 2018

...GALE WARNING TONIGHT...

.TONIGHT...W wind 35 kt. Gusts to 50 kt. Seas 13 ft.
.WED...W wind 30 kt diminishing to 20 kt in the afternoon. Seas
8 ft.
.WED NIGHT...W wind 20 kt. Seas 6 ft. Freezing spray.
.THU AND THU NIGHT...N wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.FRI THROUGH SAT...NE wind 25 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.SUN...N wind 15 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$
3 follow-up statements
578 
FZAK51 PAFC 121257
CWFAER

Coastal Waters Forecast
National Weather Service Anchorage Alaska
357 AM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

Coastal Waters Forecast for the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast
up to 100 nm out including Kodiak Island and Cook Inlet.

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

PKZ197-130200-
357 AM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018
.SYNOPSIS FOR THE NORTH GULF COAST+KODIAK ISLAND WATERS+
COOK INLET...

A 979 mb low over Prince William Sound will remain nearly stationary
and dissipate Thu morning. A 991 mb low 90 nm Northeast of Chignik 
Wed afternoon moves to 65 nm Northwest of Sitka at 999 mb Fri 
morning. Its front extends back to a 984 mb low 90 nm Northeast of 
Kodiak City through Fri morning.

$$

PKZ119-130200-
Cape Suckling to Cape Cleare-
357 AM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

...GALE WARNING TONIGHT...

.TODAY...SW wind 25 kt. Seas 14 ft subsiding to 9 ft in the 
afternoon.
.TONIGHT...W wind 35 kt. Seas 12 ft.
.THU...W wind 30 kt diminishing to 15 kt in the afternoon. Seas
13 ft subsiding to 7 ft in the afternoon.
.THU NIGHT...SE wind 25 kt. Seas 12 ft.
.FRI...SE wind 40 kt. Seas 14 ft.
.SAT...E wind 40 kt. Seas 21 ft.
.SUN...E wind 25 kt. Seas 20 ft.

$$

PKZ120-130200-
Cape Cleare to Gore Point-
357 AM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

...GALE WARNING TONIGHT...

.TODAY...W wind 30 kt. Seas 13 ft.
.TONIGHT...W wind 35 kt. Seas 12 ft.
.THU...W wind 25 kt diminishing to 15 kt in the afternoon. Seas
11 ft.
.THU NIGHT...E wind 25 kt. Seas 11 ft.
.FRI...SE wind 35 kt. Seas 15 ft.
.SAT...E wind 35 kt. Seas 18 ft.
.SUN...E wind 20 kt. Seas 18 ft.

$$

PKZ121-130200-
Resurrection Bay-
357 AM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY TONIGHT...

.TODAY...N wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.TONIGHT...N wind 25 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.THU...N wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.THU NIGHT...N wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.FRI THROUGH SAT...N wind 25 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.SUN...N wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.

$$

PKZ125-130200-
Prince William Sound-
357 AM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY THROUGH TONIGHT...

.TODAY...S wind 25 kt diminishing to 15 kt in the afternoon. Seas 5 
ft subsiding to 3 ft in the afternoon.
.TONIGHT...W wind 25 kt. Seas 3 ft building to 6 ft after
midnight.
.THU...W wind 20 kt becoming N 10 kt in the afternoon. Seas 4 ft
subsiding to 2 ft in the afternoon.
.THU NIGHT...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.FRI THROUGH SAT...NE wind 25 kt. Seas 6 ft.
.SUN...E wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft.

$$

PKZ126-130200-
Port Valdez-
357 AM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

.TODAY...Variable wind less than 10 kt becoming NE 10 kt in the
afternoon. Seas 2 ft. Widespread snow showers.
.TONIGHT...NE wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.THU...Variable wind less than 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.THU NIGHT...NE wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.FRI...E wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.SAT...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.SUN...NE wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ127-130200-
Valdez Narrows-
357 AM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

.TODAY...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft. Widespread snow showers.
.TONIGHT...N wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.THU...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.THU NIGHT...NE wind 25 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.FRI THROUGH SAT...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.SUN...NE wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ128-130200-
Valdez Arm-
357 AM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY TODAY...

.TODAY...SE wind 25 kt diminishing to variable wind 15 kt in the
afternoon. Seas 5 ft subsiding to 3 ft in the afternoon. Widespread 
snow showers.
.TONIGHT...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.THU...NE wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.THU NIGHT...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.FRI THROUGH SUN...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.

$$

PKZ129-130200-
Passage Canal-
357 AM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY TONIGHT...

.TODAY...W wind 15 kt becoming E in the afternoon. Gusts to 25 kt
near Whittier during the morning. Seas 2 ft. Snow.
.TONIGHT...W wind 20 kt increasing to 30 kt after midnight. Seas
4 ft.
.THU...W wind 20 kt diminishing to 10 kt in the afternoon. Seas
3 ft.
.THU NIGHT...Variable wind less than 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.FRI THROUGH SUN...E wind 15 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ130-130200-
West of Barren Islands including Kamishak Bay-
357 AM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

...GALE WARNING TODAY...

.TODAY...W wind 35 kt. Seas 14 ft. Freezing spray.
.TONIGHT...W wind 25 kt. Seas 9 ft. Freezing spray.
.THU...W wind 15 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.THU NIGHT...NE wind 30 kt. Seas 10 ft.
.FRI THROUGH SAT...N wind 30 kt. Seas 9 ft.
.SUN...N wind 25 kt. Seas 5 ft.

$$

PKZ131-130200-
Barren Islands East-
357 AM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY THROUGH THURSDAY...

.TODAY...W wind 30 kt. Seas 13 ft.
.TONIGHT...W wind 30 kt. Seas 11 ft.
.THU...W wind 20 kt in the morning becoming variable 10 kt. Seas
10 ft.
.THU NIGHT...S wind 25 kt. Seas 13 ft.
.FRI...E wind 30 kt. Seas 14 ft.
.SAT...NE wind 30 kt. Seas 19 ft.
.SUN...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 19 ft.

$$

PKZ132-130200-
Marmot Island to Sitkinak-
357 AM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

...GALE WARNING TONIGHT AND THURSDAY...

.TODAY...NW wind 25 kt. Seas 10 ft.
.TONIGHT...W wind 40 kt except W 30 kt N of Dangerous Cape. Seas
14 ft.
.THU...W wind 40 kt becoming SW 25 kt in the afternoon. Seas 15
ft. Snow showers and rain showers.
.THU NIGHT...SW wind 25 kt. Seas 12 ft.
.FRI...E wind 35 kt. Seas 19 ft.
.SAT...NE wind 30 kt. Seas 19 ft.
.SUN...NW wind 20 kt. Seas 19 ft.

$$

PKZ136-130200-
Chiniak Bay-
357 AM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

.TODAY...W wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.TONIGHT...W wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft. Snow showers.
.THU...Variable wind less than 10 kt becoming S 10 kt in the
afternoon. Seas 3 ft.
.THU NIGHT...SW wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.FRI...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 7 ft.
.SAT...NE wind 25 kt. Seas 7 ft.
.SUN...NW wind 15 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ137-130200-
Marmot Bay-
357 AM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

.TODAY...W wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.TONIGHT...W wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.THU...SW wind 10 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.THU NIGHT...SW wind 15 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.FRI...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 7 ft.
.SAT...NE wind 25 kt. Seas 8 ft.
.SUN...NW wind 15 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ138-130200-
Shelikof Strait-
357 AM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY TODAY...

.TODAY...W wind 25 kt. Seas 7 ft.
.TONIGHT...W wind 20 kt. Seas 6 ft.
.THU...W wind 15 kt. Seas 5 ft. Snow showers.
.THU NIGHT...W wind 25 kt. Seas 6 ft.
.FRI THROUGH SAT...N wind 30 kt. Seas 8 ft.
.SUN...NW wind 20 kt. Seas 5 ft.

$$

PKZ139-130200-
Cook Inlet Kalgin Island to Point Bede-
357 AM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY TODAY...

.TODAY...W wind 30 kt. Seas 10 ft. Freezing spray.
.TONIGHT...W wind 20 kt. Seas 6 ft. Freezing spray.
.THU...NW wind 15 kt becoming N 10 kt in the afternoon. Seas 4 ft.
.THU NIGHT...NE wind 30 kt. Seas 9 ft.
.FRI THROUGH SAT...N wind 30 kt. Seas 8 ft.
.SUN...N wind 20 kt. Seas 5 ft.

$$

PKZ140-130200-
Cook Inlet North of Kalgin Island-
357 AM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

.TODAY...W wind 15 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.TONIGHT...NW wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.THU...N wind 10 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.THU NIGHT...N wind 25 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.FRI...N wind 20 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.SAT...N wind 25 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.SUN...N wind 20 kt. Seas 5 ft.

$$

PKZ141-130200-
Kachemak Bay-
357 AM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY TODAY...

.TODAY...W wind 30 kt. Seas 9 ft.
.TONIGHT...W wind 20 kt. Seas 6 ft.
.THU...W wind 10 kt becoming E in the afternoon. Seas 2 ft.
.THU NIGHT...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.FRI...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.SAT...NE wind 25 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.SUN...N wind 15 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$
779 
FZAK51 PAFC 130032
CWFAER

Coastal Waters Forecast
National Weather Service Anchorage Alaska
332 PM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

Coastal Waters Forecast for the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast
up to 100 nm out including Kodiak Island and Cook Inlet.

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

PKZ197-131345-
332 PM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018
.SYNOPSIS FOR THE NORTH GULF COAST+KODIAK ISLAND WATERS+
COOK INLET...

A low in the southern Gulf will move into the eastern Gulf Thu 
morning. A 987 mb Bering low will move 80 nm west of Kodiak city at 
987 mb Thu night then it will move inland over the Kenai Peninsula 
and dissipate Fri Afternoon. A front associated with a North Pacific 
low will move into the Gulf Fri afternoon.

$$

PKZ119-131345-
Cape Suckling to Cape Cleare-
332 PM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

...GALE WARNING TONIGHT...

.TONIGHT...W wind 25 kt increasing to 35 kt by midnight. Seas 13 ft.
.THU...W wind 30 kt diminishing to 15 kt in the afternoon. Seas
13 ft.
.THU NIGHT...S wind 30 kt. Seas 14 ft.
.FRI...S wind 25 kt. Seas 13 ft.
.FRI NIGHT...SE wind 40 kt. Seas 14 ft.
.SAT...E wind 40 kt. Seas 21 ft.
.SUN...E wind 25 kt. Seas 20 ft.
.MON...E wind 25 kt. Seas 14 ft.

$$

PKZ120-131345-
Cape Cleare to Gore Point-
332 PM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

...GALE WARNING TONIGHT...

.TONIGHT...W wind 35 kt. Seas 11 ft.
.THU...W wind 25 kt diminishing to 15 kt in the afternoon. Seas
10 ft.
.THU NIGHT...SE wind 30 kt. Seas 12 ft.
.FRI...S wind 30 kt. Seas 12 ft.
.FRI NIGHT...E wind 35 kt. Seas 13 ft.
.SAT...E wind 35 kt. Seas 18 ft.
.SUN...E wind 20 kt. Seas 18 ft.
.MON...E wind 20 kt. Seas 14 ft.

$$

PKZ121-131345-
Resurrection Bay-
332 PM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY TONIGHT...

.TONIGHT...N wind 10 kt increasing to 25 kt after midnight. Seas
building to 5 ft.
.THU...N wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.THU NIGHT...N wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft. Freezing spray. Snow
showers.
.FRI...N wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.FRI NIGHT...N wind 25 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.SAT...N wind 25 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.SUN THROUGH MON...N wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.

$$

PKZ125-131345-
Prince William Sound-
332 PM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY TONIGHT...

.TONIGHT...Variable wind 10 kt becoming W 20 kt after midnight. Seas
building to 4 ft after midnight. Snow showers.
.THU...W wind 20 kt becoming N 10 kt in the afternoon. Seas 4 ft
subsiding to 2 ft in the afternoon.
.THU NIGHT...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft. Snow showers.
.FRI...E wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.FRI NIGHT...E wind 25 kt. Seas 6 ft.
.SAT...NE wind 25 kt. Seas 6 ft.
.SUN THROUGH MON...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.

$$

PKZ126-131345-
Port Valdez-
332 PM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

.TONIGHT...Variable wind less than 10 kt. Seas 2 ft. Snow showers.
.THU...Variable wind less than 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.THU NIGHT...Variable wind less than 10 kt. Seas 2 ft. Snow
showers.
.FRI...Variable wind less than 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.FRI NIGHT...NE wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.SAT...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.SUN THROUGH MON...NE wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ127-131345-
Valdez Narrows-
332 PM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY THURSDAY NIGHT...

.TONIGHT...NE wind 10 kt increasing to 15 kt after midnight. Seas
3 ft. Snow showers.
.THU...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.THU NIGHT...NE wind 25 kt. Seas 3 ft. Freezing spray. Snow
showers.
.FRI...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.FRI NIGHT...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.SAT...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.SUN...NE wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.MON...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.

$$

PKZ128-131345-
Valdez Arm-
332 PM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

.TONIGHT...Variable wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft. Snow showers.
.THU...NE wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.THU NIGHT...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft. Freezing spray. Snow
showers.
.FRI...NE wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.FRI NIGHT...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.SAT THROUGH MON...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.

$$

PKZ129-131345-
Passage Canal-
332 PM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY TONIGHT...

.TONIGHT...E wind 10 kt becoming W this evening then increasing to 
25 kt after midnight. Gusts to 40 kt near Whittier after midnight. 
Seas building to 4 ft. Snow showers.
.THU...W wind 20 kt. Gusts to 35 kt near Whittier. Seas 3 ft.
.THU NIGHT...Variable wind less than 10 kt. Seas 2 ft. Snow
showers.
.FRI...Variable wind less than 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.FRI NIGHT...E wind 15 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.SAT THROUGH MON...E wind 15 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ130-131345-
West of Barren Islands including Kamishak Bay-
332 PM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

...GALE WARNING THURSDAY NIGHT...

.TONIGHT...W wind 25 kt. Seas 6 ft. Freezing spray.
.THU...W wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.THU NIGHT...NE wind 35 kt. Seas 10 ft. Freezing spray.
.FRI AND FRI NIGHT...NE wind 30 kt. Seas 8 ft.
.SAT...N wind 30 kt. Seas 8 ft.
.SUN...N wind 25 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.MON...N wind 20 kt. Seas 5 ft.

$$

PKZ131-131345-
Barren Islands East-
332 PM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHT...

.TONIGHT...W wind 30 kt. Seas 10 ft.
.THU...W wind 20 kt in the morning becoming variable 10 kt. Seas
11 ft.
.THU NIGHT...SW wind 30 kt. Seas 12 ft.
.FRI...SW wind 25 kt. Seas 10 ft.
.FRI NIGHT...E wind 30 kt. Seas 14 ft.
.SAT...NE wind 30 kt. Seas 19 ft.
.SUN...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 19 ft.
.MON...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 12 ft.

$$

PKZ132-131345-
Marmot Island to Sitkinak-
332 PM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

...GALE WARNING THROUGH THURSDAY...

.TONIGHT...W wind 40 kt except W 30 kt N of Dangerous Cape. Seas
15 ft.
.THU...W wind 40 kt becoming SW 25 kt in the afternoon. Seas 18
ft. Snow showers and rain showers.
.THU NIGHT...SW wind 30 kt. Seas 14 ft.
.FRI...E wind 30 kt. Seas 10 ft.
.FRI NIGHT...E wind 35 kt. Seas 19 ft.
.SAT...NE wind 30 kt. Seas 19 ft.
.SUN...NW wind 20 kt. Seas 19 ft.
.MON...NW wind 20 kt. Seas 10 ft.

$$

PKZ136-131345-
Chiniak Bay-
332 PM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

.TONIGHT...W wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft. Snow showers.
.THU...Variable wind less than 10 kt becoming S 10 kt in the
afternoon. Seas 3 ft.
.THU NIGHT...S wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.FRI AND FRI NIGHT...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 7 ft.
.SAT...NE wind 25 kt. Seas 7 ft.
.SUN...NW wind 15 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.MON...NW wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ137-131345-
Marmot Bay-
332 PM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

.TONIGHT...W wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.THU...SW wind 10 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.THU NIGHT...SW wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft. 
.FRI AND FRI NIGHT...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 7 ft.
.SAT...NE wind 25 kt. Seas 8 ft.
.SUN...NW wind 15 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.MON...N wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ138-131345-
Shelikof Strait-
332 PM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY THURSDAY NIGHT...

.TONIGHT...W wind 20 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.THU...W wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft. Snow showers.
.THU NIGHT...W wind 25 kt. Seas 6 ft. Freezing spray. Snow showers.
.FRI...NE wind 25 kt. Seas 7 ft.
.FRI NIGHT...NE wind 30 kt. Seas 8 ft.
.SAT...N wind 30 kt. Seas 8 ft.
.SUN THROUGH MON...N wind 20 kt. Seas 5 ft.

$$

PKZ139-131345-
Cook Inlet Kalgin Island to Point Bede-
332 PM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

...GALE WARNING THURSDAY NIGHT...

.TONIGHT...W wind 15 kt, except W wind 25 kt south of Anchor Point. 
Seas 5 ft. Freezing spray.
.THU...NW wind 15 kt becoming N 10 kt in the afternoon. Seas 3 ft.
.THU NIGHT...NE wind 35 kt. Seas 7 ft building to 10 ft after
midnight. Freezing spray.
.FRI...NE wind 30 kt. Seas 9 ft.
.FRI NIGHT...NE wind 30 kt. Seas 6 ft.
.SAT...N wind 30 kt. Seas 8 ft.
.SUN THROUGH MON...N wind 20 kt. Seas 5 ft.

$$

PKZ140-131345-
Cook Inlet North of Kalgin Island-
332 PM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

...HEAVY FREEZING SPRAY WARNING THURSDAY NIGHT...
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY THURSDAY NIGHT...

.TONIGHT...NW wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.THU...N wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.THU NIGHT...N wind 20 kt increasing to 30 kt after midnight. Seas
7 ft. Heavy freezing spray.
.FRI...N wind 25 kt. Seas 6 ft.
.FRI NIGHT...N wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.SAT...N wind 25 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.SUN...N wind 20 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.MON...N wind 15 kt. Seas 4 ft.

$$

PKZ141-131345-
Kachemak Bay-
332 PM AKST Wed Dec 12 2018

.TONIGHT...W wind 20 kt. Seas 6 ft.
.THU...W wind 10 kt becoming E in the afternoon. Seas 2 ft.
.THU NIGHT...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.FRI...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.FRI NIGHT...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.SAT...NE wind 25 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.SUN THROUGH MON...N wind 15 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$
482 
FZAK51 PAFC 131243
CWFAER

Coastal Waters Forecast
National Weather Service Anchorage Alaska
343 AM AKST Thu Dec 13 2018

Coastal Waters Forecast for the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast
up to 100 nm out including Kodiak Island and Cook Inlet.

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

PKZ197-140200-
343 AM AKST Thu Dec 13 2018
.SYNOPSIS FOR THE NORTH GULF COAST+KODIAK ISLAND WATERS+
COOK INLET...

A trough extends across the North Gulf Coast through Sat morning.
A 955 mb low 350 nm South of Chignik moves to 265 nm South of 
Kodiak City at 959 mb Sat morning.

$$

PKZ119-140200-
Cape Suckling to Cape Cleare-
343 AM AKST Thu Dec 13 2018

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY THROUGH FRIDAY...

.TODAY...W wind 30 kt becoming SW 15 kt in the afternoon. Seas
13 ft.
.TONIGHT...S wind 30 kt. Seas 13 ft. Snow showers.
.FRI...S wind 25 kt. Seas 13 ft. Snow showers.
.FRI NIGHT...SE wind 35 kt. Seas 16 ft.
.SAT...E wind 50 kt. Seas 25 ft.
.SUN...E wind 35 kt. Seas 23 ft.
.MON...E wind 25 kt. Seas 14 ft.

$$

PKZ120-140200-
Cape Cleare to Gore Point-
343 AM AKST Thu Dec 13 2018

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY THROUGH FRIDAY...

.TODAY...W wind 25 kt in the morning becoming variable 10 kt. Seas
10 ft.
.TONIGHT...E wind 25 kt becoming S 30 kt after midnight. Seas 12
ft. Snow showers.
.FRI...SW wind 25 kt becoming E 20 kt in the afternoon. Seas 12
ft. Snow showers.
.FRI NIGHT...E wind 35 kt. Seas 16 ft.
.SAT...NE wind 40 kt. Seas 24 ft.
.SUN...E wind 25 kt. Seas 19 ft.
.MON...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 14 ft.

$$

PKZ121-140200-
Resurrection Bay-
343 AM AKST Thu Dec 13 2018

.TODAY...N wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.TONIGHT...N wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft. Widespread snow showers.
.FRI...N wind 10 kt increasing to 15 kt in the afternoon. Seas 3
ft. Snow showers.
.FRI NIGHT...N wind 25 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.SAT...N wind 25 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.SUN...N wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.MON...N wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.

$$

PKZ125-140200-
Prince William Sound-
343 AM AKST Thu Dec 13 2018

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY TONIGHT...

.TODAY...W wind 20 kt becoming N 10 kt in the afternoon. Seas 4 ft
subsiding to 2 ft in the afternoon.
.TONIGHT...NE wind 20 kt becoming SE 30 kt after midnight. Seas 4
ft building to 6 ft after midnight.
.FRI...S wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft . Snow showers.
.FRI NIGHT...E wind 25 kt. Seas 6 ft.
.SAT...NE wind 25 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.SUN THROUGH MON...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.

$$

PKZ126-140200-
Port Valdez-
343 AM AKST Thu Dec 13 2018

.TODAY...E wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.TONIGHT...E wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft. Widespread snow showers.
.FRI...E wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft. Widespread snow showers.
.FRI NIGHT...NE wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.SAT...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.SUN THROUGH MON...NE wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ127-140200-
Valdez Narrows-
343 AM AKST Thu Dec 13 2018

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY TONIGHT...

.TODAY...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.TONIGHT...NE wind 25 kt. Seas 3 ft. Freezing spray. Widespread
snow showers.
.FRI...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft. Widespread snow showers.
.FRI NIGHT...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.SAT...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.SUN THROUGH MON...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.

$$

PKZ128-140200-
Valdez Arm-
343 AM AKST Thu Dec 13 2018

.TODAY...NE wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.TONIGHT...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft. Widespread snow showers.
.FRI...NE wind 15 kt becoming NE 10 kt in the afternoon. Seas
2 ft. Widespread snow showers.
.FRI NIGHT...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.SAT...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.SUN THROUGH MON...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.

$$

PKZ129-140200-
Passage Canal-
343 AM AKST Thu Dec 13 2018

.TODAY...W wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.TONIGHT...E wind 15 kt. Seas 2 ft. Widespread snow showers.
.FRI...E wind 10 kt in the morning becoming variable less than
10 kt. Seas 2 ft. Snow showers.
.FRI NIGHT...E wind 15 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.SAT...E wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.SUN THROUGH MON...E wind 15 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ130-140200-
West of Barren Islands including Kamishak Bay-
343 AM AKST Thu Dec 13 2018

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY TONIGHT AND FRIDAY...

.TODAY...W wind 15 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.TONIGHT...NE wind 30 kt. Seas 9 ft. Freezing spray.
.FRI...NE wind 25 kt. Seas 8 ft. Freezing spray.
.FRI NIGHT...NE wind 35 kt. Seas 12 ft.
.SAT...N wind 30 kt. Seas 10 ft.
.SUN...N wind 25 kt. Seas 9 ft.
.MON...N wind 30 kt. Seas 8 ft.

$$

PKZ131-140200-
Barren Islands East-
343 AM AKST Thu Dec 13 2018

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY THROUGH FRIDAY...

.TODAY...W wind 20 kt becoming SE in the afternoon. Seas 12 ft.
.TONIGHT...SW wind 30 kt. Seas 12 ft.
.FRI...SW wind 20 kt becoming E 25 kt in the afternoon. Seas 10
ft. Snow showers.
.FRI NIGHT...E wind 35 kt. Seas 17 ft.
.SAT...NE wind 40 kt. Seas 26 ft.
.SUN...NE wind 30 kt. Seas 20 ft.
.MON...N wind 25 kt. Seas 14 ft.

$$

PKZ132-140200-
Marmot Island to Sitkinak-
343 AM AKST Thu Dec 13 2018

...GALE WARNING TODAY...

.TODAY...SW wind 40 kt diminishing to 30 kt in the afternoon. Seas
18 ft. Snow showers.
.TONIGHT...SW wind 25 kt. Seas 14 ft.
.FRI...E wind 20 kt increasing to 30 kt in the afternoon. Seas
12 ft. Widespread rain showers.
.FRI NIGHT...E wind 45 kt. Seas 24 ft.
.SAT...NE wind 40 kt. Seas 28 ft.
.SUN...NW wind 30 kt. Seas 21 ft.
.MON...NW wind 30 kt. Seas 15 ft.

$$

PKZ136-140200-
Chiniak Bay-
343 AM AKST Thu Dec 13 2018

.TODAY...N wind 10 kt becoming S in the afternoon. Seas 3 ft. Snow
showers.
.TONIGHT...SW wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.FRI...NW wind 10 kt becoming NE 20 kt in the afternoon. Seas 3 ft
building to 5 ft in the afternoon. Widespread snow and rain showers.
.FRI NIGHT...E wind 30 kt. Seas 10 ft.
.SAT...NE wind 30 kt. Seas 12 ft.
.SUN...NW wind 25 kt. Seas 6 ft.
.MON...NW wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.

$$

PKZ137-140200-
Marmot Bay-
343 AM AKST Thu Dec 13 2018

.TODAY...Variable wind less than 10 kt becoming E 10 kt in the
afternoon. Seas 3 ft.
.TONIGHT...S wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.FRI...NE wind 10 kt increasing to 15 kt in the afternoon. Seas
4 ft. Snow showers.
.FRI NIGHT...E wind 25 kt. Seas 10 ft.
.SAT...NE wind 30 kt. Seas 10 ft.
.SUN THROUGH MON...N wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft.

$$

PKZ138-140200-
Shelikof Strait-
343 AM AKST Thu Dec 13 2018

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY FRIDAY...

.TODAY...E wind 15 kt. Seas 5 ft. Snow showers.
.TONIGHT...N wind 15 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.FRI...NE wind 15 kt increasing to 30 kt in the afternoon. Seas 5
ft building to 9 ft in the afternoon.
.FRI NIGHT...NE wind 30 kt. Seas 11 ft.
.SAT...N wind 30 kt. Seas 10 ft.
.SUN...NW wind 20 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.MON...N wind 25 kt. Seas 6 ft.

$$

PKZ139-140200-
Cook Inlet Kalgin Island to Point Bede-
343 AM AKST Thu Dec 13 2018

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY TONIGHT AND FRIDAY...

.TODAY...NW wind 15 kt becoming N 10 kt in the afternoon. Seas 6
ft subsiding to 4 ft in the afternoon.
.TONIGHT...N wind 30 kt. Seas building to 9 ft by midnight. Freezing
spray. Snow showers.
.FRI...NE wind 25 kt. Seas 8 ft. Freezing spray. Snow showers.
.FRI NIGHT...NE wind 35 kt. Seas 10 ft.
.SAT...NE wind 30 kt. Seas 8 ft.
.SUN THROUGH MON...N wind 20 kt. Seas 5 ft.

$$

PKZ140-140200-
Cook Inlet North of Kalgin Island-
343 AM AKST Thu Dec 13 2018

...HEAVY FREEZING SPRAY WARNING TONIGHT...
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY TONIGHT AND FRIDAY...

.TODAY...N wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.TONIGHT...N wind 25 kt. Seas 4 ft building to 6 ft after
midnight. Heavy freezing spray.
.FRI...N wind 25 kt diminishing to 15 kt in the afternoon. Seas
5 ft. Freezing spray.
.FRI NIGHT...N wind 20 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.SAT THROUGH SUN...N wind 20 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.MON...N wind 15 kt. Seas 4 ft.

$$

PKZ141-140200-
Kachemak Bay-
343 AM AKST Thu Dec 13 2018

.TODAY...W wind 15 kt becoming variable 10 kt in the afternoon. Seas
6 ft subsiding to 2 ft in the afternoon.
.TONIGHT...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft. Snow showers.
.FRI...N wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft. Snow showers.
.FRI NIGHT...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.SAT...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.SUN THROUGH MON...N wind 15 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this small craft advisory went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Anchorage, AK wrote its last area forecast discussion before this small craft advisory went out at Dec 11, 4:54 AM AKST, 11 hours 6 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Dec 11, 4:54 AM AKST, 11 hours 6 minutes before
Southcentral and Southwest Alaska Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
454 AM AKST Tue Dec 11 2018

.ANALYSIS AND UPPER LEVELS...

A long wave trough remains anchored across the Bering, stretching
from Kamchatka east to the western Gulf. South of this trough, a
170kt jet streak continues to provide a zonal flow across the
North Pacific and is suppressing future storm development
upstream south of the western and central Aleutians. A negatively-
tilted 495dm low situated over Bristol Bay is weakening as it
slides east-southeast and transitions to an open wave. Downstream
of this low, a shortwave trough is lifting north over the
Southcentral interior while a second shortwave ejecting from the
low moves into the central Gulf. A third shortwave continues to
track southeast from the central Aleutians after bringing a quick
burst of snow last evening to Unalaska.

At the surface, the shortwave moving onshore over Southcentral is
associated with a 960mb low situated north of Cordova. This
system is producing a mix of rain and snow along the coast
through Prince William Sound and areas of snow farther inland.
Another area of snow is falling north of Homer, across Cook Inlet,
and over the Anchorage Bowl as a weak surface trough extending
west from this low also lifts to the north. A second surface low
associated with the upper-level low over Bristol Bay is producing
snow and gusty northwesterly winds from Cape Newenham south across
the AKPEN along with strong gales over the open water. A trough
extending north of this low is the focus of widespread snow across
the lower YK Delta as moisture advecting from the west runs into
a cold air mass situated over the interior Southwest. Here, snow
has been falling throughout the overnight hours in an area from
Quinhagak to Bethel to Aniak.

&&

.MODEL DISCUSSION...

Models remain in good agreement through the next 48 hours
regarding the evolution of a low moving west into Prince William
Sound and a second low moving northeast from Bristol Bay. There
is also above average confidence of light accumulations of snow
across much of Southcentral through through tonight as the GFS,
NAM, and EC all show an occluded front across the southcentral
coast and a trough stretching along western Cook Inlet through
the Mat-Su Valleys. Farther west, there is good confidence in the
southeast movement of a developing low near Norton Sound into the
Bristol Bay region by midweek. This system will influence the
setup of a deformation zone over Southcentral (Cook Inlet and MAt-
Su Valleys) between it and a low in the Gulf on Wednesday with
another round of light snow likely.

The North Pacific low forecast to enter the Gulf on Wednesday is
also better resolved by the models, as the GFS and NAM now have
similar solutions with a 968mb staying in the southern Gulf. Most
of the impacts from this system, other than an uptick in the
offshore winds across Southcentral, look to affect the offshore
waters and the Alaska Peninsula moving into the latter half of the
week.

&&

.AVIATION...

PANC...Ceiling and visibility will drop to MVFR in snow this
morning. Periods of IFR conditions are possible through the
afternoon with reduced visibility due to bands of more moderate
snow. Ceiling and visibility improve tonight as the low lifts to
the north and the light snow comes to an end.

&&

.SHORT TERM FORECAST SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA (Days 1 and 2)...

The surface low came onshore near Cordova overnight and is
weakening as it moves northwest across Prince William sound. This
is bringing light snow to a good part of the Southcentral area
and will likely bring periods of snow to the region through
Tuesday night.

One of the bigger forecast uncertainties for today revolves around
the amount of snow which will make it into the Homer area. The
strong winds originating out of Kamishak Bay will bring Gale
force winds to Kachemak Bay. This pattern can sometimes cause
significant blowing snow conditions in Homer and the amount of
snowfall will dictate how low the visibility will get. While
temperatures currently are hovering near freezing, which will
keep blowing snow down, colder air will arrive with the winds and
make snow easier to blow around. The big reason that we are
leaning for less snow (and therefore not significant blowing
snow) is the track of the low. For it to really get the winds and
snow cranking at the same time, the low should track along the
eastern Kenai Peninsula into Prince William Sound and this one
came into the Sound from near Cordova. However, it is still worth
keeping an eye on conditions around Homer and Kachemak Bay today
even if it is not an ideal setup for a blowing snow event.

POPs were increased for Wednesday night in a swath from Seward
through Talkeetna, including the Anchorage and Matanuska Valley.
Both the NAM and GFS models are showing a deformation zone
developing which would bring in some snowfall. Kept the POPs right
at the 50 percent mark however due to the fact that deformation
zones are long and narrow and a small change in the track will
keep these areas precipitation free. The location this deformation
zone develops will be dependent on the cold upper level low
digging into the Bristol Bay region. Since this is a large feature
and models are more likely to resolve it well, in stark contrast
to most of the features we have been working with recently, it
increases the chances that the two models both showing it may be
right. We will have to wait for a few more runs to show whether we
expect this to turn into a snow event or just fizzle out.

&&

.SHORT TERM FORECAST SOUTHWEST ALASKA (Days 1 through 3: Today
through Thursday Night)...

The low pressure system causing the banding that brought
widespread snow and blowing snow to the Kuskokwim Delta yesterday
and overnight last night is finally weakening as it shifts off to
the north and east. Expect winds to remain elevated across the
Kuskokwim Delta today, leading to localized reductions in
visibility in exposed open areas from the blowing snow. Otherwise,
things will continue quieting down in that region. The Winter
Weather Advisory for that area has been cancelled. Further east,
snow showers are continuing across Bristol Bay, every so often
mixing with freezing rain right at the coast. However, with cold
air quickly moving in, snow is expected from here on out. The
banding causing the snow will gradually drift northward through
the day today, becoming confined to just the Lower Kuskokwim
Valley by this afternoon. Light snow will persist in the Lower
Kuskokwim Valley into tonight, though snowfall rates should remain
light. Snow shower activity across the eastern Bering will
continue to impact coastal communities throughout the day into
Wednesday. A small Arctic low will develop over Norton Sound this
afternoon and will slowly drift southward into the Kuskokwim Delta
by Thursday morning. Snow shower activity with this low will
mostly remain along and off the coast, but when the center is
located just north of the Kuskokwim Delta on Wednesday, onshore
flow may enhance activity across the region. Any snow showers may
briefly be heavy, but will not be long lasting or result in
significant accumulations.

On Thursday afternoon, the center of the low will shift south into
Bristol Bay and then eventually dissipate as it moves into the
Aleutian Mountains/Alaska Range Thursday night. This will allow
for an offshore wind to develop as a strong low tracks well south
of the Alaska Peninsula late Thursday night. The offshore wind may
finally allow the clouds to clear out some. Behind the low, a
reinforcing shot of even colder air will make its way into
Southwest Alaska. Since through Thursday afternoon, cloud cover
is expected to keep temperatures relatively warm with the low
pressure system nearby; once the low dissipates and the clouds
follow, the clear skies will allow temperatures to plummet area-
wide. Thus, temperatures have been nudged up through Thursday with
highs in the single digits to the north and teens to the south,
and lows not too much lower than that. By Thursday night, lows are
expected to drop well below zero over the Kuskokwim Delta with
lows near zero further east. Highs will be in the teens to around
20 along the coast.

Looking ahead, Arctic high pressure building in the interior with
a storm track well south of the area will make for clear skies,
which will allow for some of the coldest temperatures of the
winter so far to move into all of Southwest Alaska. Lows Friday
night and Saturday night are expected to dip south of 10 below for
many areas away from the coast. Bundle up!

&&

.SHORT TERM FORECAST BERING SEA/ALEUTIANS (Days 1 through 3: Today
through Friday)...

Relatively quiet weather is expected for much of the Bering
through the short-term forecast period. A low along the west coast
will keep a steady stream of increasingly colder air moving south
across much of the Bering today right through Friday. Somewhat
warmer air will remain along and south of the Aleutians. That
gradient in temperature along the Aleutians will keep the main storm
track south of the chain. However, a series of small mesoscale-lows
are expected to form near the Aleutians today and Wednesday,
resulting in snow to the north of the chain, and a rain/snow mix
to the south. Any associated snow will be short-lived, but winds
may be gusty along with it.

A strong low will approach the western and central Aleutians
Thursday, but for now the worst weather is expected to remain
south of the chain. Any small northward shift in the track may
bring blizzard conditions to the central Aleutians, mainly from
Dutch Harbor west. Those in and around Dutch Harbor should monitor
future forecasts closely, primarily for the Thursday afternoon
and Thursday night time frame. All of the models currently track
the low well south of the Alaska Peninsula and Eastern Aleutians
on Friday, so a more significant northward shift in the track
would be needed for impacts to be expected there. Otherwise,
seasonably cold conditions will continue across the Aleutians
through Friday with snow showers in gusty north winds continuing
for most of the Bering.

&&

.LONG TERM FORECAST (Days 4 through 7)...

The long range forecast remains active across area waters as the
jet stream ushers storm systems along the Aleutian Chain to the
Gulf of Alaska. Inland locations across the southern mainland will
mainly be drier with cold air advecting the coolest temperatures
of the season for the end of the week. The next significant storm
system to monitor develops across the North Pacific Thursday night
bringing gusty easterly gales for the Aleutian Chain. This system
keeps a fast paced easterly track, but looks to move south enough
to keep significant impacts away from the Alaska Peninsula. Models
differ in timing and track on this system as it progresses
eastward, however they all lift it toward the Gulf Friday night.
The synoptic pattern amplifies over the weekend with a ridge to
the east and west of this storm system. This will likely slowly
the northward progress of the front through the weekend. There is
high uncertainty in the forecast this weekend into early next week
as models struggle with the evolution of this storm solution.

&&

.AFC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
PUBLIC...None.
MARINE...None.

&&

SYNOPSIS AND MODEL DISCUSSION...TM
SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA...EZ
SOUTHWEST ALASKA/BERING SEA/ALEUTIANS...JW
LONG TERM...KH

The office that day

Everything else NWS Anchorage, AK issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Dec 11, 3:52 PM AKSTGale WarningAFC5 days
Dec 11, 3:52 PM AKSTSmall Craft AdvisoryAFC8 days
Dec 11, 4:00 PM AKSTGale WarningAFC5 days
Dec 12, 3:50 AM AKSTGale WarningAFC35 hr
Dec 12, 3:57 AM AKSTSmall Craft AdvisoryAFC35 hr
Dec 12, 4:00 AM AKSTGale WarningAFC48 hr
Dec 12, 4:00 AM AKSTSmall Craft AdvisoryAFC7 days
Dec 12, 4:00 AM AKSTHeavy Freezing Spray WarningAFC36 hr

Nearby

Small Craft Advisories in Alaska, 2018Every small craft advisory in 2018

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text.