Gale Warning 794, NWS Anchorage, AK

080 
FZAK51 PAFC 190146 AAA
CWFAER

Coastal Waters Forecast...UPDATED
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
446 PM AKST Fri Dec 18 2020

Update to zones 127 and 128


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.

PKZ197-191430-
446 PM AKST Fri Dec 18 2020
.SYNOPSIS FOR THE NORTH GULF COAST+KODIAK ISLAND WATERS+
COOK INLET...

A 973 mb low 420 nm south of Kodiak City moves 267 nm southeast 
of Middleton Island at 972 mb on Sat morning. This low then moves 
into Prince William Sound as a 979 mb low by Sat evening before 
moving inland. Another 982 mb low in Bristol Bay Sat night moves 
94 nm north of Kodiak City at 989 mb Sun morning.

$$

PKZ119-191430-
Cape Suckling to Cape Cleare-
446 PM AKST Fri Dec 18 2020

...GALE WARNING SATURDAY NIGHT...

.TONIGHT...SW wind 25 kt becoming SE after midnight. Seas 13 ft.
Rain. 
.SAT...E wind 30 kt. Seas 12 ft. Rain with snow. 
.SAT NIGHT...W wind 40 kt. Seas 17 ft. 
.SUN...SW wind 20 kt. Seas 12 ft. 
.SUN NIGHT...W wind 25 kt. Seas 12 ft. 
.MON...S wind 35 kt. Seas 18 ft. 
.TUE...SE wind 35 kt. Seas 25 ft. 
.WED...SE wind 25 kt. Seas 22 ft.

$$

PKZ120-191430-
Cape Cleare to Gore Point-
446 PM AKST Fri Dec 18 2020

...GALE WARNING SATURDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT...

.TONIGHT...SW wind 20 kt becoming E after midnight. Seas 9 ft.
Rain. 
.SAT...N wind 20 kt becoming W 35 kt in the afternoon. Seas 7 ft
building to 12 ft in the afternoon. Snow and rain. 
.SAT NIGHT...W wind 35 kt. Seas 13 ft. 
.SUN...W wind 20 kt. Seas 9 ft. 
.SUN NIGHT...W wind 30 kt. Seas 11 ft. 
.MON THROUGH TUE...SE wind 35 kt. Seas 24 ft. 
.WED...SE wind 20 kt. Seas 20 ft.

$$

PKZ121-191430-
Resurrection Bay-
446 PM AKST Fri Dec 18 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY SATURDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT...

.TONIGHT...N wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft. Snow. 
.SAT...N wind increasing to 25 kt. Seas 5 ft. Freezing spray.
Snow. 
.SAT NIGHT...N wind 25 kt diminishing to 15 kt after midnight.
Seas 5 ft subsiding to 3 ft after midnight. Freezing spray. 
.SUN AND SUN NIGHT...N wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft. 
.MON...N wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft. 
.TUE...S wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft. 
.WED...Variable wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ125-191430-
Prince William Sound-
446 PM AKST Fri Dec 18 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY SATURDAY NIGHT...

.TONIGHT...Variable wind less than 10 kt becoming NE 15 kt after
midnight. Seas 3 ft. 
.SAT...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft. Snow and rain. 
.SAT NIGHT...W wind 25 kt. Seas 4 ft. 
.SUN AND SUN NIGHT...NW wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft. 
.MON THROUGH TUE...SE wind 30 kt. Seas 6 ft. 
.WED...SE wind 15 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ126-191430-
Port Valdez-
446 PM AKST Fri Dec 18 2020

.TONIGHT...Variable wind less than 10 kt. Seas 2 ft. 
.SAT...Variable wind less than 10 kt becoming E 10 kt in the
afternoon. Seas 2 ft. Snow. 
.SAT NIGHT...NE wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft. Snow. 
.SUN AND SUN NIGHT...Variable wind less than 10 kt. Seas 2 ft. 
.MON...E wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft. 
.TUE...E wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft. 
.WED...E wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ127-191430-
Valdez Narrows-
446 PM AKST Fri Dec 18 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY THROUGH SATURDAY NIGHT...

.TONIGHT...NE wind 25 kt. Gusts to 35 kt in the evening. Seas 3 
ft. Freezing spray.
.SAT AND SAT NIGHT...NE wind 25 kt diminishing to 15 kt after 
midnight. Seas 3 ft. Freezing spray. Snow. 
.SUN AND SUN NIGHT...NE wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft. 
.MON...NE wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft. 
.TUE...Variable wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft. 
.WED...NE wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ128-191430-
Valdez Arm-
446 PM AKST Fri Dec 18 2020

.TONIGHT...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.SAT...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft. Snow. 
.SAT NIGHT...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft. Freezing spray. Snow. 
.SUN AND SUN NIGHT...NE wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft. 
.MON THROUGH TUE...SE wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft. 
.WED...NE wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ129-191430-
Passage Canal-
446 PM AKST Fri Dec 18 2020

.TONIGHT...W wind 20 kt becoming E wind 10 kt after midnight. 
Seas 2 ft. Snow. 
.SAT...E wind 10 kt becoming W 15 kt in the afternoon. Seas 2 ft.
Snow. 
.SAT NIGHT...W wind 15 kt. Seas 2 ft. Freezing spray. 
.SUN AND SUN NIGHT...W wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft. 
.MON THROUGH TUE...E wind 15 kt. Seas 2 ft. 
.WED...Variable wind less than 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ130-191430-
West of Barren Islands including Kamishak Bay-
446 PM AKST Fri Dec 18 2020

.TONIGHT...N wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft. 
.SAT...NW wind 20 kt. Seas 5 ft. 
.SAT NIGHT...W wind 20 kt. Seas 5 ft. 
.SUN AND SUN NIGHT...W wind 25 kt. Seas 7 ft. 
.MON...E wind 35 kt. Seas 10 ft. 
.TUE...SE wind 25 kt. Seas 6 ft. 
.WED...SE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.

$$

PKZ131-191430-
Barren Islands East-
446 PM AKST Fri Dec 18 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY THROUGH SATURDAY NIGHT...

.TONIGHT...SW wind 15 kt becoming N 20 kt after midnight. Seas
8 ft. Snow and rain. 
.SAT...W wind 30 kt. Seas 11 ft. 
.SAT NIGHT...W wind 30 kt becoming SW 20 kt after midnight. Seas
10 ft. 
.SUN AND SUN NIGHT...W wind 30 kt. Seas 11 ft. 
.MON...S wind 40 kt. Seas 25 ft. 
.TUE...S wind 35 kt. Seas 25 ft. 
.WED...S wind 20 kt. Seas 18 ft.

$$

PKZ132-191430-
Marmot Island to Sitkinak-
446 PM AKST Fri Dec 18 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY THROUGH SATURDAY NIGHT...

.TONIGHT...SW wind 15 kt becoming NW 20 kt after midnight.  Seas
10 ft. Rain. 
.SAT...NW wind 20 kt. Seas 11 ft. 
.SAT NIGHT...SW wind 30 kt. Seas 13 ft. 
.SUN...W wind 30 kt. Seas 14 ft. 
.SUN NIGHT...SW wind 30 kt. Seas 11 ft. 
.MON...S wind 40 kt. Seas 26 ft. 
.TUE...S wind 30 kt. Seas 26 ft. 
.WED...S wind 15 kt. Seas 18 ft.

$$

PKZ136-191430-
Chiniak Bay-
446 PM AKST Fri Dec 18 2020

.TONIGHT...N wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft. Snow. 
.SAT...NW wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft. 
.SAT NIGHT...SW wind 10 kt increasing to 15 kt after midnight.
Seas 3 ft. 
.SUN AND SUN NIGHT...SW wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft. 
.MON...S wind 30 kt. Seas 12 ft. 
.TUE...S wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft. 
.WED...S wind 10 kt. Seas 3 ft.

$$

PKZ137-191430-
Marmot Bay-
446 PM AKST Fri Dec 18 2020

.TONIGHT...N wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft. Snow. 
.SAT...NW wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft. 
.SAT NIGHT...SW wind 15 kt diminishing to 10 kt after midnight.
Seas 3 ft. 
.SUN...W wind 30 kt. Seas 7 ft. 
.SUN NIGHT...SW wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft. 
.MON...SE wind 30 kt. Seas 12 ft. 
.TUE...S wind 20 kt. Seas 7 ft. 
.WED...S wind 10 kt. Seas 3 ft.

$$

PKZ138-191430-
Shelikof Strait-
446 PM AKST Fri Dec 18 2020

.TONIGHT...N wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft. 
.SAT...Variable wind 10 kt becoming W 20 kt in the afternoon. 
Seas 2 ft building to 4 ft in the afternoon. 
.SAT NIGHT...SW wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft. 
.SUN...W wind 30 kt. Seas 8 ft. 
.SUN NIGHT...SW wind 25 kt. Seas 5 ft. 
.MON...SE wind 30 kt. Seas 7 ft. 
.TUE...SE wind 20 kt. Seas 5 ft. 
.WED...SE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.

$$

PKZ139-191430-
Cook Inlet Kalgin Island to Point Bede-
446 PM AKST Fri Dec 18 2020

.TONIGHT...N wind 15 kt. Seas 4 ft. Freezing spray. 
.SAT...N wind 15 kt in the morning becoming variable less than
10 kt. Seas 4 ft subsiding to 2 ft in the afternoon. 
.SAT NIGHT...SW wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft. 
.SUN...N wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft. 
.SUN NIGHT...W wind 15 kt. Seas 2 ft. 
.MON...NE wind 35 kt. Seas 9 ft. 
.TUE...E wind 15 kt. Seas 4 ft. 
.WED...E wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ140-191430-
Cook Inlet North of Kalgin Island-
446 PM AKST Fri Dec 18 2020

.TONIGHT...NE wind 10 kt. Seas 3 ft. 
.SAT...N wind 10 kt in the morning becoming variable less than
10 kt. Seas 2 ft. 
.SAT NIGHT...SW wind 10 kt in the evening becoming variable less
than 10 kt. Seas 2 ft. 
.SUN...N wind 10 kt. Seas 3 ft. 
.SUN NIGHT...Variable wind less than 10 kt. Seas 2 ft. 
.MON...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 5 ft. 
.TUE...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 4 ft. 
.WED...NE wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ141-191430-
Kachemak Bay-
446 PM AKST Fri Dec 18 2020

.TONIGHT...Variable wind less than 10 kt becoming N 10 kt after
midnight. Seas 2 ft. Snow. 
.SAT...NW wind 10 kt in the morning becoming variable less than
10 kt. Seas 2 ft. Snow. 
.SAT NIGHT...SW wind 10 kt increasing to 15 kt after midnight.
Seas 2 ft building to 4 ft after midnight. 
.SUN...E wind 15 kt. Seas 2 ft. 
.SUN NIGHT...SW wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft. 
.MON...SE wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft. 
.TUE...SE wind 15 kt. Seas 2 ft. 
.WED...Variable wind less than 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

589 
FZAK51 PAFC 191255
CWFAER

Coastal Waters Forecast
National Weather Service Anchorage Alaska
355 AM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

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.

PKZ197-200145-
355 AM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020
.SYNOPSIS FOR THE NORTH GULF COAST+KODIAK ISLAND WATERS+
COOK INLET...

A 974 mb low 175 nm south of Middleton Island moves into Prince
William Sound at 981 mb by Sun morning before moving inland Sun
afternoon. A broad 988 mb low develops over the Barren Islands 
for Sun morning and moves to 40 nm west of Yakutat at 1001 mb by
Mon morning.

$$

PKZ119-200145-
Cape Suckling to Cape Cleare-
355 AM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...GALE WARNING TONIGHT...

.TODAY...E wind 30 kt. Seas 13 ft. Rain and snow.
.TONIGHT...W wind 40 kt. Seas 18 ft.
.SUN...SW wind 25 kt. Seas 14 ft.
.SUN NIGHT...W wind 30 kt. Seas 12 ft.
.MON...S wind 40 kt. Seas 21 ft.
.TUE...S wind 45 kt. Seas 27 ft.
.WED...SE wind 20 kt. Seas 25 ft.

$$

PKZ120-200145-
Cape Cleare to Gore Point-
355 AM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...GALE WARNING THROUGH TONIGHT...

.TODAY...NE wind 20 kt becoming NW 35 kt in the afternoon. Seas 7
ft building to 11 ft in the afternoon. Snow and rain.
.TONIGHT...W wind 35 kt. Seas 13 ft.
.SUN...W wind 20 kt. Seas 9 ft.
.SUN NIGHT...W wind 30 kt. Seas 11 ft.
.MON THROUGH TUE...S wind 40 kt. Seas 24 ft.
.WED...S wind 20 kt. Seas 23 ft.

$$

PKZ121-200145-
Resurrection Bay-
355 AM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY THROUGH TONIGHT...

.TODAY...N wind 20 kt increasing to 30 kt in the afternoon. Seas
6 ft. Freezing spray. Snow.
.TONIGHT...N wind 25 kt diminishing to 15 kt after midnight. Seas 5 
ft. Freezing spray.
.SUN...N wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.SUN NIGHT...N wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.MON THROUGH TUE...S wind 25 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.WED...S wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ125-200145-
Prince William Sound-
355 AM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY TONIGHT...

.TODAY...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft. Snow and rain.
.TONIGHT...NW wind 30 kt. Seas 7 ft.
.SUN...W wind 15 kt becoming NE 10 kt in the afternoon. Seas 3 ft.
.SUN NIGHT...NW wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.MON THROUGH TUE...SE wind 30 kt. Seas 7 ft.
.WED...SE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.

$$

PKZ126-200145-
Port Valdez-
355 AM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

.TODAY...Variable wind less than 10 kt becoming E 10 kt in the
afternoon. Seas 2 ft. Snow.
.TONIGHT...NE wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft. Snow.
.SUN...Variable wind less than 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.SUN NIGHT...Variable wind less than 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.MON...E wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.TUE...E wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.WED...E wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ127-200145-
Valdez Narrows-
355 AM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY THROUGH TONIGHT...

.TODAY...N wind 30 kt. Seas 3 ft. Freezing spray. Snow.
.TONIGHT...N wind 25 kt diminishing to 15 kt after midnight. Seas
3 ft. Freezing spray. Snow.
.SUN...N wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft. Freezing spray.
.SUN NIGHT...N wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.MON...N wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.TUE...SE wind 25 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.WED...NE wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ128-200145-
Valdez Arm-
355 AM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY TODAY...

.TODAY...NE wind 25 kt. Seas 4 ft. Freezing spray. Snow.
.TONIGHT...NE wind 15 kt diminishing to 10 kt after midnight. Seas
3 ft. Snow.
.SUN...NE wind 10 kt increasing to 15 kt in the afternoon. Seas
3 ft.
.SUN NIGHT...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.MON...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.TUE...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.WED...Variable wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ129-200145-
Passage Canal-
355 AM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY TONIGHT...

.TODAY...Variable wind less than 10 kt becoming W 20 kt in the
afternoon. Seas 3 ft. Snow.
.TONIGHT...W wind 30 kt. Gusts to 40 kt near Whittier. Seas 5 ft. 
Freezing spray.
.SUN...W wind 20 kt in the morning becoming variable less than
10 kt. Seas 3 ft. Freezing spray.
.SUN NIGHT...W wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.MON THROUGH TUE...E wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.WED...E wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ130-200145-
West of Barren Islands including Kamishak Bay-
355 AM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY SUNDAY...

.TODAY...NW wind 20 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.TONIGHT...W wind 20 kt. Seas 5 ft. Freezing spray.
.SUN...W wind 15 kt increasing to 30 kt in the afternoon. Seas 3
ft building to 9 ft in the afternoon.
.SUN NIGHT...W wind 30 kt. Seas 8 ft.
.MON...E wind 35 kt. Seas 10 ft.
.TUE...SE wind 35 kt. Seas 9 ft.
.WED...SE wind 25 kt. Seas 6 ft.

$$

PKZ131-200145-
Barren Islands East-
355 AM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY THROUGH SUNDAY...

.TODAY...NW wind 30 kt. Seas 11 ft.
.TONIGHT...W wind 30 kt. Seas 11 ft.
.SUN...W wind 30 kt. Seas 11 ft.
.SUN NIGHT...W wind 30 kt. Seas 11 ft.
.MON THROUGH TUE...S wind 40 kt. Seas 24 ft.
.WED...S wind 25 kt. Seas 21 ft.

$$

PKZ132-200145-
Marmot Island to Sitkinak-
355 AM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY THROUGH SUNDAY...

.TODAY...NW wind 25 kt. Seas 11 ft.
.TONIGHT...SW wind 30 kt. Seas 11 ft.
.SUN...W wind 30 kt. Seas 13 ft.
.SUN NIGHT...SW wind 30 kt. Seas 12 ft.
.MON...S wind 40 kt. Seas 25 ft.
.TUE...S wind 35 kt. Seas 25 ft.
.WED...S wind 25 kt. Seas 19 ft.

$$

PKZ136-200145-
Chiniak Bay-
355 AM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY SUNDAY...

.TODAY...NW wind 15 kt becoming W 10 kt in the afternoon. Seas 2
ft. Morning snow.
.TONIGHT...SW wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.SUN...SW wind 15 kt becoming W 25 kt in the afternoon. Seas 2 ft
building to 4 ft in the afternoon.
.SUN NIGHT...SW wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.MON...S wind 30 kt. Seas 11 ft.
.TUE...S wind 25 kt. Seas 10 ft.
.WED...S wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.

$$

PKZ137-200145-
Marmot Bay-
355 AM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY SUNDAY...

.TODAY...W wind 20 kt. Seas 2 ft building to 4 ft in the
afternoon.
.TONIGHT...W wind 20 kt becoming SW 10 kt after midnight. Seas 4
ft subsiding to 2 ft after midnight.
.SUN...SW wind 20 kt becoming W 30 kt in the afternoon. Seas 4 ft
building to 7 ft in the afternoon.
.SUN NIGHT...SW wind 25 kt. Seas 6 ft.
.MON THROUGH TUE...S wind 30 kt. Seas 11 ft.
.WED...S wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.

$$

PKZ138-200145-
Shelikof Strait-
355 AM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY SUNDAY...

.TODAY...W wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.TONIGHT...W wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.SUN...W wind 30 kt. Seas 8 ft.
.SUN NIGHT...SW wind 25 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.MON...SE wind 30 kt. Seas 7 ft.
.TUE...S wind 25 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.WED...S wind 20 kt. Seas 5 ft.

$$

PKZ139-200145-
Cook Inlet Kalgin Island to Point Bede-
355 AM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY SUNDAY...

.TODAY...N wind 20 kt becoming NW 10 kt in the afternoon. Seas 5
ft subsiding to 2 ft in the afternoon. Freezing spray.
.TONIGHT...SW wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft. Freezing spray.
.SUN...NW wind 10 kt increasing to 25 kt in the afternoon. Seas 2
ft building to 5 ft in the afternoon.
.SUN NIGHT...SW wind 25 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.MON...NE wind 35 kt. Seas 9 ft.
.TUE THROUGH WED...SE wind 20 kt. Seas 5 ft.

$$

PKZ140-200145-
Cook Inlet North of Kalgin Island-
355 AM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

.TODAY...N wind 10 kt in the morning becoming variable less than
10 kt. Seas in ice free waters 3 ft.
.TONIGHT...SW wind 10 kt. Seas in ice free waters 2 ft.
.SUN...NE wind 10 kt. Seas in ice free waters 3 ft.
.SUN NIGHT...W wind 10 kt. Seas in ice free waters 3 ft.
.MON...NE wind 20 kt. Seas in ice free waters 5 ft.
.TUE...E wind 20 kt. Seas in ice free waters 5 ft.
.WED...SE wind 10 kt. Seas in ice free waters 3 ft.

$$

PKZ141-200145-
Kachemak Bay-
355 AM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

.TODAY...N wind 15 kt diminishing to 10 kt in the afternoon. Seas
2 ft. Snow.
.TONIGHT...SW wind 15 kt. Seas 4 ft. Freezing spray.
.SUN...Variable wind less than 10 kt becoming SW 20 kt in the
afternoon. Seas 2 ft building to 6 ft in the afternoon.
.SUN NIGHT...SW wind 20 kt. Seas 6 ft.
.MON THROUGH TUE...SE wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.WED...SE wind 15 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

573 
FZAK51 PAFC 200031
CWFAER

Coastal Waters Forecast
National Weather Service Anchorage Alaska
331 PM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

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.

PKZ197-201315-
331 PM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020
.SYNOPSIS FOR THE NORTH GULF COAST+KODIAK ISLAND WATERS+
COOK INLET...

A 971 mb low 150 nm southeast of Middleton Island moves into 
Prince William Sound at 981 mb Sun morning before moving inland. A
988 mb low develops over the Barren Islands Sun morning and moves
inland at 1001 mb Mon morning. A strong front associated with a 
949 mb low in the central Bering moves into the western Gulf 
Monday afternoon.

$$

PKZ119-201315-
Cape Suckling to Cape Cleare-
331 PM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...GALE WARNING TONIGHT...

.TONIGHT...W wind 40 kt. Seas 17 ft.
.SUN...SW wind 30 kt. Seas 15 ft.
.SUN NIGHT...W wind 30 kt. Seas 12 ft.
.MON...SW wind 25 kt. Seas 12 ft.
.MON NIGHT...SE wind 45 kt. Seas 17 ft.
.TUE...SE wind 60 kt. Seas 29 ft.
.WED...S wind 20 kt. Seas 21 ft.
.THU...S wind 20 kt. Seas 12 ft.

$$

PKZ120-201315-
Cape Cleare to Gore Point-
331 PM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...GALE WARNING TONIGHT...

.TONIGHT...W wind 35 kt. Seas 13 ft.
.SUN...W wind 25 kt. Seas 10 ft.
.SUN NIGHT...W wind 30 kt. Seas 12 ft.
.MON...S wind 30 kt. Seas 10 ft.
.MON NIGHT...SE wind 50 kt. Seas 23 ft.
.TUE...S wind 50 kt. Seas 30 ft.
.WED...S wind 25 kt. Seas 19 ft.
.THU...W wind 15 kt. Seas 11 ft.

$$

PKZ121-201315-
Resurrection Bay-
331 PM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY TONIGHT...

.TONIGHT...N wind 30 kt diminishing to 20 kt after midnight. Seas
6 ft. Freezing spray.
.SUN...N wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.SUN NIGHT...N wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft. Freezing spray.
.MON...N wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.MON NIGHT...S wind 35 kt. Seas 7 ft.
.TUE...S wind 35 kt. Seas 7 ft.
.WED...S wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.THU...N wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ125-201315-
Prince William Sound-
331 PM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY THROUGH SUNDAY...

.TONIGHT...NW wind 15 kt early increasing to 30 kt. Seas 7 ft.
.SUN...W wind 30 kt early becoming NE 15 kt. Seas 4 ft subsiding to 
2 ft in the afternoon.
.SUN NIGHT...N wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.MON...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.MON NIGHT...E wind 40 kt. Seas 10 ft.
.TUE...E wind 55 kt. Seas 13 ft.
.WED...SE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.THU...E wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.

$$

PKZ126-201315-
Port Valdez-
331 PM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

.TONIGHT...NE wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft. Snow.
.SUN...Variable wind less than 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.SUN NIGHT...Variable wind less than 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.MON...E wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.MON NIGHT...E wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.TUE...E wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.WED...E wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.THU...Variable wind less than 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ127-201315-
Valdez Narrows-
331 PM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY TONIGHT...

.TONIGHT...N wind 25 kt diminishing to 15 kt after midnight. Seas
3 ft. Freezing spray. Snow.
.SUN...N wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft. Freezing spray.
.SUN NIGHT...N wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft. Freezing spray.
.MON...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.MON NIGHT...N wind 30 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.TUE...E wind 40 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.WED...NE wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.THU...NE wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ128-201315-
Valdez Arm-
331 PM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

.TONIGHT...NE wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft. Snow.
.SUN...NE wind 10 kt increasing to 20 kt in the afternoon. Seas 2 ft
building to 4 ft in the afternoon.
.SUN NIGHT...NE wind 15 kt diminishing to 10 kt after midnight.
Seas 3 ft.
.MON...NE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.MON NIGHT...NE wind 25 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.TUE...E wind 30 kt. Seas 7 ft.
.WED...Variable wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.THU...NE wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ129-201315-
Passage Canal-
331 PM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...GALE WARNING TONIGHT...

.TONIGHT...W wind 35 kt. Gusts to 45 kt near Whittier. Seas 5 ft. 
Freezing spray.
.SUN...W wind 20 kt in the morning becoming variable less than
10 kt. Seas 3 ft. Freezing spray.
.SUN NIGHT...W wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft. Freezing spray.
.MON...E wind 15 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.MON NIGHT...E wind 30 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.TUE...E wind 35 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.WED...E wind 15 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.THU...Variable wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ130-201315-
West of Barren Islands including Kamishak Bay-
331 PM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY SUNDAY AND SUNDAY NIGHT...

.TONIGHT...W wind 20 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.SUN...W wind 15 kt increasing to 30 kt in the afternoon. Seas 3 ft 
building to 9 ft in the afternoon.
.SUN NIGHT...W wind 30 kt becoming SW 15 kt after midnight. Seas
8 ft subsiding to 3 ft after midnight.
.MON...SE wind 30 kt. Seas 9 ft.
.MON NIGHT...E wind 50 kt. Seas 26 ft.
.TUE...SE wind 50 kt. Seas 23 ft.
.WED...SE wind 25 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.THU...NW wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.

$$

PKZ131-201315-
Barren Islands East-
331 PM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHT...

.TONIGHT...W wind 30 kt. Seas 11 ft.
.SUN...W wind 30 kt. Seas 10 ft.
.SUN NIGHT...W wind 30 kt. Seas 11 ft.
.MON...S wind 35 kt. Seas 12 ft.
.MON NIGHT...SE wind 50 kt. Seas 27 ft.
.TUE...S wind 50 kt. Seas 26 ft.
.WED...S wind 25 kt. Seas 18 ft.
.THU...W wind 15 kt. Seas 11 ft.

$$

PKZ132-201315-
Marmot Island to Sitkinak-
331 PM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...GALE WARNING SUNDAY...

.TONIGHT...SW wind 30 kt. Seas 11 ft.
.SUN...W wind 35 kt. Seas 14 ft.
.SUN NIGHT...SW wind 30 kt. Seas 12 ft.
.MON...S wind 50 kt. Seas 18 ft.
.MON NIGHT...SE wind 50 kt. Seas 28 ft.
.TUE...SW wind 35 kt. Seas 26 ft.
.WED...S wind 25 kt. Seas 18 ft.
.THU...N wind 15 kt. Seas 15 ft.

$$

PKZ136-201315-
Chiniak Bay-
331 PM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY SUNDAY...

.TONIGHT...SW wind 10 kt increasing to 15 kt after midnight. Seas 3 ft.
.SUN...SW wind 15 kt becoming W 25 kt in the afternoon. Seas 3 ft.
.SUN NIGHT...S wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.MON...S wind 30 kt. Seas 12 ft.
.MON NIGHT...SE wind 45 kt. Seas 16 ft.
.TUE...S wind 30 kt. Seas 10 ft.
.WED...S wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.THU...NW wind 10 kt. Seas 3 ft.

$$

PKZ137-201315-
Marmot Bay-
331 PM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...GALE WARNING SUNDAY...

.TONIGHT...W wind 20 kt becoming SW 10 kt after midnight. Seas 3 ft.
.SUN...SW wind 25 kt becoming W 35 kt in the afternoon. Seas 3 ft
building to 7 ft in the afternoon.
.SUN NIGHT...W wind 25 kt becoming S 15 kt after midnight. Seas 7 ft
subsiding to 3 ft after midnight.
.MON...SE wind 30 kt. Seas 12 ft.
.MON NIGHT...SE wind 40 kt. Seas 18 ft.
.TUE...S wind 30 kt. Seas 11 ft.
.WED...S wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.THU...NW wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ138-201315-
Shelikof Strait-
331 PM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...GALE WARNING SUNDAY...

.TONIGHT...W wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.SUN...W wind 35 kt. Seas 9 ft.
.SUN NIGHT...SW wind 25 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.MON...SE wind 35 kt. Seas 8 ft.
.MON NIGHT...E wind 40 kt. Seas 11 ft.
.TUE...S wind 30 kt. Seas 9 ft.
.WED...S wind 20 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.THU...Variable wind 10 kt. Seas 3 ft.

$$

PKZ139-201315-
Cook Inlet Kalgin Island to Point Bede-
331 PM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY SUNDAY NIGHT...

.TONIGHT...Variable wind 10 kt becoming SW 20 kt after midnight. 
Seas 4 ft. Freezing spray.
.SUN...SW wind 20 kt becoming N 10 kt in the afternoon. Seas 4 ft.
.SUN NIGHT...SW wind 25 kt diminishing to 15 kt after midnight. Seas
4 ft. Freezing spray.
.MON...NE wind 30 kt. Seas 10 ft.
.MON NIGHT...NE wind 45 kt. Seas 14 ft.
.TUE...NE wind 45 kt. Seas 16 ft.
.WED...SE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.THU...N wind 10 kt. Seas 3 ft.

$$

PKZ140-201315-
Cook Inlet North of Kalgin Island-
331 PM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

.TONIGHT...SW wind 10 kt. Seas in ice free waters 2 ft.
.SUN...NE wind 10 kt. Seas in ice free waters 3 ft.
.SUN NIGHT...Variable wind less than 10 kt. Seas in ice free
waters 1 ft.
.MON...NE wind 20 kt. Seas in ice free waters 7 ft.
.MON NIGHT...NE wind 25 kt. Seas in ice free waters 8 ft.
.TUE...NE wind 30 kt. Seas in ice free waters 12 ft.
.WED...E wind 10 kt. Seas in ice free waters 2 ft.
.THU...NE wind 10 kt. Seas in ice free waters 3 ft.

$$

PKZ141-201315-
Kachemak Bay-
331 PM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

.TONIGHT...Variable wind less than 10 kt becoming SW wind 15 kt after
midnight. Seas 4 ft. Freezing spray.
.SUN...E wind 10 kt becoming NW 15 kt in the afternoon. Seas 2 ft
building to 4 ft in the afternoon.
.SUN NIGHT...SW wind 20 kt becoming S 10 kt after midnight. Seas
6 ft subsiding to 2 ft after midnight. Freezing spray.
.MON...SE wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.MON NIGHT...SE wind 45 kt. Seas 6 ft.
.TUE...SE wind 45 kt. Seas 7 ft.
.WED...SE wind 15 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.THU...Variable wind less than 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

715 
FZAK51 PAFC 201300
CWFAER

Coastal Waters Forecast
National Weather Service Anchorage Alaska
400 AM AKST Sun Dec 20 2020

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.

PKZ197-210145-
400 AM AKST Sun Dec 20 2020
.SYNOPSIS FOR THE NORTH GULF COAST+KODIAK ISLAND WATERS+
COOK INLET...

A 982 mb low over Prince William Sound dissipates by Sun
afternoon. A 989 mb low develops over the Barren Islands Sun 
morning and moves inland near Cordova at 1003 mb Mon morning. A 
front enters the western Gulf Mon afternoon. A 976 mb low forms 
along the front 310 nm south of Sitkinak Mon afternoon then moves 
to 40 nm southeast of Sitkinak at 969 mb for Tue morning.

$$

PKZ119-210145-
Cape Suckling to Cape Cleare-
400 AM AKST Sun Dec 20 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY THROUGH MONDAY...

.TODAY...W wind 30 kt becoming SW 20 kt in the afternoon. Seas
14 ft.
.TONIGHT...W wind 30 kt. Seas 13 ft.
.MON...SW wind 25 kt. Seas 12 ft.
.MON NIGHT...SE wind 45 kt. Seas 18 ft.
.TUE...SE wind 70 kt. Seas 31 ft.
.WED...S wind 30 kt. Seas 24 ft.
.THU...SE wind 15 kt. Seas 16 ft.

$$

PKZ120-210145-
Cape Cleare to Gore Point-
400 AM AKST Sun Dec 20 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY THROUGH MONDAY...

.TODAY...W wind 25 kt. Seas 9 ft.
.TONIGHT...W wind 30 kt. Seas 12 ft.
.MON...SE wind 25 kt. Seas 11 ft. Rain and snow.
.MON NIGHT...SE wind 45 kt. Seas 22 ft.
.TUE...S wind 50 kt. Seas 27 ft.
.WED...S wind 35 kt. Seas 22 ft.
.THU...SE wind 15 kt. Seas 16 ft.

$$

PKZ121-210145-
Resurrection Bay-
400 AM AKST Sun Dec 20 2020

.TODAY...N wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.TONIGHT...N wind 10 kt increasing to 15 kt after midnight. Seas
3 ft. Freezing spray.
.MON...N wind 10 kt becoming S in the afternoon. Seas 2 ft. Snow
and rain.
.MON NIGHT...S wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.TUE...S wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.WED...S wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.THU...Variable wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.

$$

PKZ125-210145-
Prince William Sound-
400 AM AKST Sun Dec 20 2020

.TODAY...W wind 20 kt becoming NE 15 kt in the afternoon. Seas 4
ft subsiding to 2 ft in the afternoon.
.TONIGHT...N wind 10 kt becoming NW 15 kt after midnight. Seas 3
ft.
.MON...N wind 10 kt becoming E 20 kt in the afternoon. Seas 2 ft
building to 4 ft in the afternoon. Rain.
.MON NIGHT...E wind 40 kt. Seas 10 ft.
.TUE...E wind 70 kt. Seas 17 ft.
.WED...SE wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.THU...E wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ126-210145-
Port Valdez-
400 AM AKST Sun Dec 20 2020

.TODAY...Variable wind less than 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.TONIGHT...Variable wind less than 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.MON...Variable wind less than 10 kt becoming E 10 kt in the
afternoon. Seas 2 ft. Snow.
.MON NIGHT...Variable wind less than 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.TUE...E wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.WED...E wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.THU...NE wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ127-210145-
Valdez Narrows-
400 AM AKST Sun Dec 20 2020

.TODAY...N wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft. Freezing spray.
.TONIGHT...N wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft. Freezing spray.
.MON...N wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft. Freezing spray. Snow.
.MON NIGHT...N wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.TUE...N wind 30 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.WED...N wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.THU...N wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ128-210145-
Valdez Arm-
400 AM AKST Sun Dec 20 2020

.TODAY...NE wind 10 kt increasing to 15 kt in the afternoon. Seas
3 ft. Freezing spray.
.TONIGHT...NE wind 15 kt diminishing to 10 kt after midnight. Seas
3 ft. Freezing spray.
.MON...NE wind 10 kt increasing to 15 kt in the afternoon. Seas
3 ft.
.MON NIGHT...NE wind 30 kt. Seas 6 ft.
.TUE...E wind 40 kt. Seas 7 ft.
.WED...SE wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft.
.THU...NE wind 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ129-210145-
Passage Canal-
400 AM AKST Sun Dec 20 2020

.TODAY...W wind 20 kt in the morning becoming variable less than
10 kt. Seas 3 ft. Freezing spray.
.TONIGHT...W wind 10 kt increasing to 15 kt after midnight. Seas
2 ft. Freezing spray.
.MON...Variable wind 10 kt becoming E 15 kt in the afternoon. Seas
2 ft. Rain.
.MON NIGHT...E wind 30 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.TUE...E wind 35 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.WED...E wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.THU...Variable wind less than 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

PKZ130-210145-
West of Barren Islands including Kamishak Bay-
400 AM AKST Sun Dec 20 2020

...GALE WARNING TODAY...

.TODAY...W wind 20 kt increasing to 35 kt in the afternoon. Seas
3 ft building to 9 ft in the afternoon.
.TONIGHT...W wind 30 kt becoming S 15 kt after midnight. Seas 8 ft
subsiding to 3 ft after midnight.
.MON...SE wind 30 kt. Seas 9 ft. Freezing spray. Rain and snow.
.MON NIGHT...E wind 50 kt. Seas 15 ft.
.TUE...E wind 50 kt. Seas 15 ft.
.WED...S wind 20 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.THU...Variable wind 10 kt. Seas 3 ft.

$$

PKZ131-210145-
Barren Islands East-
400 AM AKST Sun Dec 20 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY THROUGH MONDAY...

.TODAY...SW wind 20 kt becoming W 30 kt in the afternoon. Seas
10 ft.
.TONIGHT...W wind 30 kt. Seas 11 ft.
.MON...S wind 30 kt. Seas 13 ft.
.MON NIGHT...SE wind 45 kt. Seas 24 ft.
.TUE...S wind 50 kt. Seas 27 ft.
.WED...S wind 30 kt. Seas 20 ft.
.THU...SE wind 15 kt. Seas 16 ft.

$$

PKZ132-210145-
Marmot Island to Sitkinak-
400 AM AKST Sun Dec 20 2020

...GALE WARNING MONDAY...

.TODAY...W wind 30 kt. Seas 12 ft.
.TONIGHT...S wind 30 kt. Seas 11 ft.
.MON...S wind 30 kt becoming SE 45 kt in the afternoon. Seas 14 ft
building to 19 ft in the afternoon.
.MON NIGHT...SE wind 45 kt. Seas 26 ft.
.TUE...SW wind 40 kt. Seas 25 ft.
.WED...S wind 30 kt. Seas 18 ft.
.THU...SE wind 15 kt. Seas 15 ft.

$$

PKZ136-210145-
Chiniak Bay-
400 AM AKST Sun Dec 20 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY TODAY AND MONDAY...

.TODAY...SW wind 15 kt becoming W 25 kt in the afternoon. Seas 3
ft.
.TONIGHT...W wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft. Freezing spray.
.MON...S wind 30 kt. Seas 5 ft building to 10 ft in the afternoon.
Rain with snow.
.MON NIGHT...SE wind 45 kt. Seas 18 ft.
.TUE...S wind 30 kt. Seas 11 ft.
.WED...S wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.THU...SE wind 10 kt. Seas 3 ft.

$$

PKZ137-210145-
Marmot Bay-
400 AM AKST Sun Dec 20 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY THROUGH MONDAY...

.TODAY...SW wind 20 kt becoming W 30 kt in the afternoon. Seas 4
ft building to 7 ft in the afternoon. Freezing spray.
.TONIGHT...W wind 25 kt. Seas 6 ft subsiding to 3 ft after
midnight.
.MON...SE wind 30 kt. Seas 6 ft building to 12 ft in the
afternoon. Rain.
.MON NIGHT...SE wind 40 kt. Seas 18 ft.
.TUE...SW wind 30 kt. Seas 12 ft.
.WED...S wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft.
.THU...SE wind 10 kt. Seas 3 ft.

$$

PKZ138-210145-
Shelikof Strait-
400 AM AKST Sun Dec 20 2020

...GALE WARNING TODAY...

.TODAY...W wind 35 kt. Seas 9 ft.
.TONIGHT...S wind 30 kt. Seas 6 ft. Snow and rain.
.MON...SE wind 30 kt. Seas 7 ft. Rain and snow.
.MON NIGHT...E wind 35 kt. Seas 10 ft.
.TUE...SW wind 30 kt. Seas 7 ft.
.WED...S wind 25 kt. Seas 6 ft.
.THU...Variable wind 10 kt. Seas 3 ft.

$$

PKZ139-210145-
Cook Inlet Kalgin Island to Point Bede-
400 AM AKST Sun Dec 20 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY THROUGH MONDAY...

.TODAY...W wind 10 kt becoming NW 25 kt in the afternoon. Seas 3
ft.
.TONIGHT...W wind 25 kt becoming SW 15 kt after midnight. Seas 6
ft subsiding to 4 ft after midnight. Freezing spray.
.MON...NE wind 30 kt. Seas 8 ft. Snow and rain.
.MON NIGHT...NE wind 35 kt. Seas 9 ft.
.TUE...NE wind 40 kt. Seas 10 ft.
.WED...SE wind 20 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.THU...NE wind 10 kt. Seas 3 ft.

$$

PKZ140-210145-
Cook Inlet North of Kalgin Island-
400 AM AKST Sun Dec 20 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY MONDAY...

.TODAY...NE wind 10 kt becoming N 15 kt in the afternoon. Seas in
ice free waters 3 ft.
.TONIGHT...NW wind 10 kt. Seas in ice free waters 2 ft.
.MON...NE wind 25 kt. Seas in ice free waters 5 ft. Freezing
spray.
.MON NIGHT...NE wind 25 kt. Seas in ice free waters 6 ft.
.TUE...NE wind 30 kt. Seas in ice free waters 9 ft.
.WED...SE wind 15 kt. Seas in ice free waters 3 ft.
.THU...N wind 10 kt. Seas in ice free waters 3 ft.

$$

PKZ141-210145-
Kachemak Bay-
400 AM AKST Sun Dec 20 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY THROUGH TONIGHT...

.TODAY...Variable wind 10 kt becoming W 25 kt in the afternoon. Seas
2 ft building to 6 ft in the afternoon.
.TONIGHT...SW wind 25 kt becoming S 15 kt after midnight. Seas 8
ft subsiding to 4 ft after midnight. Freezing spray.
.MON...SE wind 20 kt. Seas 3 ft. Rain and snow.
.MON NIGHT...E wind 35 kt. Seas 5 ft.
.TUE...SE wind 45 kt. Seas 7 ft.
.WED...S wind 15 kt. Seas 2 ft.
.THU...Variable wind less than 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.

$$

Southcentral and Southwest Alaska Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
504 AM AKST Fri Dec 18 2020

.ANALYSIS AND UPPER LEVELS...

An upper-level low situated over the northern Gulf is vertically
stacked with a 972 mb surface low positioned south of Middleton
Island. Both features are tracking slowly northeast with a mix of
rain and snow spreading from Middleton Island north across Prince
William Sound. Across the northern Gulf and along the immediate
coast, most of the precipitation is in the form of rain; however,
farther north and west, from Valdez and Thompson Pass to Whittier
and Seward, the precipitation is falling as snow. Strong outflow
winds are also occurring, a result of the increased pressure
gradient between the low and a strong ridge of high pressure over
the interior of the state. The winds are quite gusty across the
Mat Valley, as well as the usual gap locations such as Whitter,
Seward, and Valdez. The gusty winds are also producing blizzard
conditions along the Richardson Highway in Thompson Pass.

Farther west, the ridge is extending over the Kuskokwim Valley,
where areas of clear skies and light winds are allowing
temperatures to fall between 10 and 20 below zero. Temperatures
are slightly warmer along the Southwest coast as clouds associated
with a front move over the area. This front is attached to a 970
mb surface low situated west of the Pribilofs. This feature is
spinning underneath a broader upper-level trough encompassing much
of the Bering. The bulk of the storm activity, though, remains
south of the Aleutian Chain in conjunction with a strong upper-
level jet well south of the state.

&&

.MODEL DISCUSSION...

The biggest challenge in the short term is the evolution of an
elongated shortwave as it tracks from south of the AKPEN to the
northern Gulf Friday into Saturday. Previous runs of the GFS,
through 00z, indicated the shortwave phasing more with the broader
trough over the Bering that is extending to western Alaska. Other
deterministic runs (EC, NAM, GEM) indicated a lack of phasing,
with the bulk of the upper-level energy shifting east toward the
eastern Gulf. The result of this difference was that the GFS spun
up a rather deep surface low south of the Kenai Peninsula that
then tracked into western Prince William Sound. Other guidance
kept this as a weaker surface low, or trough, with lighter
precipitation and winds. The 06z runs of the GFS and NAM still
showed this difference; however, the GFS has trended weaker with
the surface low with the NAM still initially spinning up a weaker
surface low that then transitions to an open wave as the low in
the eastern Gulf deepens. Given the difference, a blend of the NAM
and GFS was favored. This would bring a round of light snow to
the Kenai Peninsula, Anchorage Bowl, and Mat-Su Valleys for
Saturday.

Out west, models are in better agreement with one low moving from
the Pribilofs to Bristol Bay by late Saturday. Guidance is also
keying in on a broad, complex low over the western Bering
dissipating by Sunday as a front attached to a North Pacific low
lifts toward the western Aleutians.

&&

.AVIATION...

PANC...VFR conditions and light winds are expected through midday
Friday when MVFR ceilings are likely. Light snow is likely to
develop over the airport complex by Saturday morning with MVFR
ceilings and visibility. IFR ceilings and visibility is possible
Saturday morning, but confidence is low regarding snow intensity
and is therefore not included in the 12z TAF package.

&&

.SHORT TERM FORECAST SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA (Days 1 and 2: Today
through Saturday Night)...

A low over the north central Gulf continues to produce rain along
the Gulf, but thus far has been under-performing even along the
coast, with Valdez and Cordova only briefly getting periods of
snow and rain respectively thus far overnight. Through Thompson
Pass, the Blizzard Warning remains in effect until noon. The winds
through the pass have been over-performing, with gusts to 65 mph
common overnight. Presuming lots of transportable snow is being
raised by these winds, blizzard conditions are ongoing through the
Pass. By noon, the low moving east of Cape Suckling along with
diminishing winds should result in improving conditions in
Thompson Pass. Elsewhere gusty winds through the passes that drain
the Copper River Basin will continue, while gradually diminishing
through tonight.

A weak upper level wave will move south to north across the area
today. For now it appears a lack of moisture will be the primary
reason most areas see flurries at most, with the most likely quick
hit of snow over the mountains east of Anchorage and the Mat-Su.
Behind this wave, winds turning onshore across the Gulf will begin
to add moisture to the atmosphere tonight. Meanwhile, in the upper
levels, a weak low will develop over the Lower Kuskokwim Valley
tonight, while a disturbance moves northeastward across the Gulf.
This shortwave disturbance will likewise move south to north
across Southcentral. However, with additional moisture, there are
improving probabilities that many of us will see periods of light
snow starting early Saturday morning and continuing through most
of the day. Light would be the key word though, with most areas
expected to see a trace to 2 inches of new snow accumulation,
isolated heavier bands could result in a few 3 inch readings. As
is nearly always the case with these small, relatively localized
events, it's the small details that will determine exact snowfall
amounts, which are nearly impossible to accurately predict. Thus,
while confidence is increasing that there will be periods of light
snow, how long it lasts and who sees the most snow remains highly
uncertain. By Saturday night, the front will have lifted into the
Chugach and Talkeetna Mountains, with periods of light snow
expected into Saturday night for the Copper River Basin with
similar accumulations expected.

&&

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

A 970 mb low will continue to trek eastward across the Southern
Bering towards Bristol Bay. This storm will gradually weaken along
the way and the pressure gradient forces will steadily erode. The
associated frontal boundary will approach the Southwest coast,
bringing a round of light snow showers to the coastal areas.
significant accumulations are not expected with this system.

&&

.SHORT TERM FORECAST BERING SEA/ALEUTIANS (Days 1 and 2)...

A 970 mb low continues to move across the Southern Bering towards
Bristol Bay. This forecast period, expect this low to gradually
fill as time elapses. Impacts include the potential for gales to
small craft winds and intermittent light rain/snow showers. All
eyes will be on the second storm which is currently near northern
Japan. This system will rapidly intensify Saturday southwest of
Attu Island and is on a collision course for the Aleutians. High
confidence in storm force winds and a widespread precipitation
shield. By Sunday morning, the leading front of an incoming storm
force low west of Shemya enters the Western Bering.

&&

.MARINE (Days 3 through 5/Sunday through Tuesday)...

Gulf of Alaska:

There is high confidence an area of low pressure will exist over
Prince William Sound through Monday morning. Westerly winds up to
35 kts are possible, but most of the Gulf will remain within
small craft advisory criteria. On Monday afternoon there is high
confidence a gale force front will move into the western Gulf
where it will slowly move east at gale force through Tuesday. Long
fetch southerly winds will result in waves greater than 20 feet.

Bering Sea:

A strong, complex low with multiple centers is expected to move
into the western Bering on Sunday, moving slowly into the central
Bering by Tuesday. There is high confidence the front will move
across the Bering at gale force through Monday morning. Gales are
expected to persist around the low with isolated areas of storms
possible near the individual low centers. Forecast confidence is
low in regards to the location of the meso-lows and therefore the
area(s) of stronger winds.

&&

.LONG TERM FORECAST (Days 4 through 7/Monday through
Thursday)...

A deep trough is expected to remain over the Bering Sea while a
high amplitude ridge builds over western Alaska Monday and moves
east over Southeast Alaska through Thursday. This pattern will
result in active weather throughout the AOR. Over the Bering, a
broad low with multiple centers is expected to persist through
Thursday. The main feature for southern Alaska will be the large
warm front expected to reach Southwest Alaska on Monday. The
moisture feed extends down into the tropics, so moderate to heavy
rain is possible for the AKPen and portions of Southwest. A
transition to snow is likely over the interior but the exact
location of the transition remains uncertain at this time. The
front then reaches Southcentral on Tuesday, with rain likely over
lower coastal elevations. The exact rain/snow line is uncertain at
this time due to the large number of upper level and potential
surface lows developing along the front. By Wednesday forecast
confidence remains low; however, active weather should continue as
Southcentral will remain in a region of upper level divergence
and therefore favors storm development.

&&

.AFC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
PUBLIC...Blizzard Warning 131.
MARINE...Gale Warning 119 170 173 351 352.
		 Heavy Freezing Spray Warning 181.
FIRE WEATHER...NONE.

&&

SYNOPSIS AND MODEL DISCUSSION...TM
SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA...JW
SOUTHWEST ALASKA/BERING SEA/ALEUTIANS...PJS
MARINE/LONG TERM...CJ