Alert archive / Alaska / Heavy Freezing Spray Warnings in 2021

Heavy Freezing Spray Warning 90, NWS Anchorage, AK

March 4, 2021

NWS Anchorage, AK issued this heavy freezing spray warning at Mar 4, 2021, 3:14 AM AKST. It was in force for 36 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Mar 4, 2021, 3:14 AM AKST (12:14 UTC)
Expired
Mar 5, 2021, 3:40 PM AKST
In force
36 hr
Issued by
NWS Anchorage, AK

The text

As transmitted.

139 
FZAK62 PAFC 041214
OFFALU

Offshore Waters Forecast
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
314 AM AKST Thu Mar 4 2021

Offshore Waters Forecast for the Bering Sea

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.

PKZ499-050200-
314 AM AKST Thu Mar 4 2021

.SYNOPSIS FOR CENTRAL BERING SEA...

A front associated with a 964 mb Kamchatka low over the eastern 
Bering moves inland this afternoon. A second front over the western 
and central Bering and Aleutians moves into the eastern Bering by Fri
morning associated with a 984 Kamchatka low. A 1000 mb low Fri 
morning at 55N 164E moves to 60N 179E at 990 mb by Sat morning.

$$

PKZ411-050200-
Bering Sea Offshore West of 180 and East of the International
Dateline-
314 AM AKST Thu Mar 4 2021

...STORM WARNING THROUGH TONIGHT...
...HEAVY FREEZING SPRAY WARNING THROUGH FRIDAY...

.TODAY...W wind 40 to 50 kt. Seas 25 to 30 ft. Heavy freezing spray.
Widespread snow showers.
.TONIGHT...W wind 40 to 50 kt diminishing to 30 to 45 kt after
midnight. Seas 25 to 34 ft. Heavy freezing spray. Widespread snow
showers.
.FRI...W wind 25 to 40 kt. Seas 15 to 28 ft. Heavy freezing spray in
the morning. Snow.
.FRI NIGHT...SW wind 30 to 45 kt. Seas 16 to 24 ft.
.SAT...S wind 30 to 45 kt. Seas 15 to 26 ft.
.SUN THROUGH MON...SW wind 15 to 30 kt. Seas 9 to 17 ft.

$$

PKZ412-050200-
Bering Sea Offshore 171W to 180 and North of 56N-
314 AM AKST Thu Mar 4 2021

...GALE WARNING THROUGH FRIDAY...
...HEAVY FREEZING SPRAY WARNING TONIGHT...

.TODAY...W wind 35 to 45 kt. Seas 19 to 28 ft. Freezing spray.
Widespread snow showers.
.TONIGHT...W wind 30 to 45 kt. Seas 24 to 34 ft. Heavy freezing 
spray. Widespread snow showers.
.FRI...W wind 30 to 45 kt diminishing to 20 to 35 kt in the
afternoon. Seas 20 to 35 ft. Freezing spray. Snow showers.
.FRI NIGHT...SW wind 25 to 40 kt. Seas 16 to 23 ft.
.SAT THROUGH SUN...S wind 25 to 40 kt. Seas 14 to 22 ft.
.MON...SW wind 25 kt. Seas 10 to 14 ft.

$$

PKZ413-050200-
Bering Sea Offshore 171W to 180 and South of 56N-
314 AM AKST Thu Mar 4 2021

...STORM WARNING TONIGHT...

.TODAY...W wind 40 kt. Seas 19 to 27 ft. Widespread snow showers.
Freezing spray in the morning.
.TONIGHT...W wind 35 to 50 kt. Seas 25 to 33 ft. Widespread snow
showers.
.FRI...W wind 25 to 40 kt. Seas 26 to 32 ft. Snow showers.
.FRI NIGHT...SW wind 30 to 40 kt. Seas 21 to 25 ft.
.SAT THROUGH MON...SW wind 20 to 35 kt. Seas 13 to 21 ft.

$$

PKZ414-050200-
Bering Sea Offshore East of 171W-
314 AM AKST Thu Mar 4 2021

...GALE WARNING THROUGH FRIDAY...
...HEAVY FREEZING SPRAY WARNING TODAY...

.TODAY...SW wind 30 to 45 kt becoming W in the afternoon. Seas 12
to 20 ft. Heavy freezing spray in the morning. Snow and rain.
.TONIGHT...W wind 25 to 35 kt becoming SW 30 to 45 kt after
midnight. Seas 15 to 29 ft. Freezing spray. Widespread snow
showers.
.FRI...W wind 30 to 45 kt diminishing to 20 to 35 kt in the
afternoon. Seas 17 to 31 ft. Freezing spray. Snow showers.
.FRI NIGHT...W wind 20 to 35 kt. Seas 16 to 24 ft.
.SAT...SW wind 20 to 30 kt. Seas 13 to 21 ft.
.SUN...S wind 15 to 30 kt. Seas 11 to 17 ft.
.MON...SW wind 10 to 25 kt. Seas 8 to 13 ft.

$$
4 follow-up statements
684 
FZAK62 PAFC 050043
OFFALU

Offshore Waters Forecast
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
343 PM AKST Thu Mar 4 2021

Offshore Waters Forecast for the Bering Sea

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.

PKZ499-051345-
343 PM AKST Thu Mar 4 2021
.SYNOPSIS FOR CENTRAL BERING SEA...

VENIAMINOF VOLCANO AT 56N 159W IS CURRENTLY ACTIVE. A front moves
into Western Alaska for Fri morning. A 1004 Sea of Okhotsk low 
moves to 64N 169W by Sat afternoon. Its front moves over Western 
Alaska with the trailing front stretching back to a 979 mb low at 
58N 174E continuing into the North Pacific through Sat afternoon.

$$

PKZ411-051345-
Bering Sea Offshore West of 180 and East of the International
Dateline-
343 PM AKST Thu Mar 4 2021

...STORM WARNING TONIGHT...
...HEAVY FREEZING SPRAY WARNING TONIGHT...

.TONIGHT...W wind 40 to 50 kt diminishing to 30 to 45 kt after
midnight. Seas 25 to 32 ft. Heavy freezing spray north of 56N.
.FRI...W wind 25 to 40 kt. Seas 16 to 28 ft. Freezing spray.
.FRI NIGHT...SW wind 30 to 45 kt. Seas 15 to 23 ft building to 21
to 25 ft after midnight. Freezing spray.
.SAT...SW wind 30 to 45 kt. Seas 21 to 25 ft.
.SAT NIGHT...SW wind 30 to 45 kt. Seas 16 to 25 ft.
.SUN THROUGH TUE...SW wind 10 to 25 kt. Seas 9 to 17 ft.

$$

PKZ412-051345-
Bering Sea Offshore 171W to 180 and North of 56N-
343 PM AKST Thu Mar 4 2021

...GALE WARNING THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT...

.TONIGHT...W wind 30 to 45 kt. Seas 26 to 32 ft. Freezing spray.
.FRI...W wind 30 to 45 kt diminishing to 20 to 35 kt in the
afternoon. Seas 28 to 33 ft subsiding to 19 to 29 ft in the
afternoon. Freezing spray.
.FRI NIGHT...SW wind 20 to 35 kt increasing to 30 to 45 kt after
midnight. Seas 16 to 23 ft. Freezing spray.
.SAT...SW wind 40 kt. Seas 21 to 24 ft.
.SAT NIGHT...S wind 30 to 45 kt. Seas 18 to 24 ft.
.SUN THROUGH TUE...S wind 15 to 30 kt. Seas 10 to 18 ft.

$$

PKZ413-051345-
Bering Sea Offshore 171W to 180 and South of 56N-
343 PM AKST Thu Mar 4 2021

...STORM WARNING TONIGHT...

.TONIGHT...W wind 35 to 50 kt. Seas 26 to 33 ft.
.FRI...W wind 30 to 45 kt. Seas 24 to 34 ft.
.FRI NIGHT...SW wind 40 kt. Seas 22 ft.
.SAT...SW wind 30 to 40 kt. Seas 18 to 22 ft.
.SAT NIGHT...S wind 25 to 40 kt. Seas 15 to 20 ft.
.SUN THROUGH TUE...SW wind 15 to 30 kt. Seas 9 to 17 ft.

$$

PKZ414-051345-
Bering Sea Offshore East of 171W-
343 PM AKST Thu Mar 4 2021

...GALE WARNING THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT...

.TONIGHT...SW to W wind 35 kt. Seas 16 to 26 ft. Freezing spray.
.FRI...W wind 30 to 45 kt diminishing to 25 to 35 kt in the
afternoon. Seas 17 to 32 ft. Freezing spray.
.FRI NIGHT...W wind 20 to 35 kt. Seas 15 to 23 ft. Freezing spray.
.SAT...SW wind 25 to 35 kt. Seas 14 to 20 ft.
.SAT NIGHT...S wind 25 to 35 kt. Seas 13 to 18 ft.
.SUN...S wind 25 to 40 kt. Seas 11 to 18 ft.
.MON THROUGH TUE...SW wind 10 to 25 kt. Seas 8 to 13 ft.

$$
214 
FZAK62 PAFC 051258
OFFALU

Offshore Waters Forecast
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
358 AM AKST Fri Mar 5 2021

Offshore Waters Forecast for the Bering Sea

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.

PKZ499-060200-
358 AM AKST Fri Mar 5 2021

.SYNOPSIS FOR CENTRAL BERING SEA...

VENIAMINOF VOLCANO AT 56N 159W IS CURRENTLY ACTIVE. 

A front over the central Aleutians and Bering moves into the
eastern Bering and weakens by Sat morning. A 990 mb low associated  
with a front over the western Bering this morning moves to 59N 175E 
by Sat morning and then moves into the northern Bering by Sat 
afternoon. A 965 mb low moves to 60N 174E by Sun morning.

$$

PKZ411-060200-
Bering Sea Offshore West of 180 and East of the International
Dateline-
358 AM AKST Fri Mar 5 2021

...GALE WARNING THROUGH SATURDAY...
...HEAVY FREEZING SPRAY WARNING TODAY...

.TODAY...W wind 25 to 40 kt. Seas 16 to 28 ft. Heavy freezing spray
in the morning. Snow showers.
.TONIGHT...SW wind 30 to 45 kt. Seas 15 to 23 ft building to 21 to
25 ft after midnight. Freezing spray.
.SAT...SW wind 45 kt. Seas 21 to 25 ft. Snow showers.
.SAT NIGHT...SW wind 30 to 45 kt. Seas 16 to 25 ft.
.SUN THROUGH MON...W wind 15 to 30 kt. Seas 9 to 17 ft.
.TUE...SW wind 10 to 20 kt. Seas 5 to 9 ft.

$$

PKZ412-060200-
Bering Sea Offshore 171W to 180 and North of 56N-
358 AM AKST Fri Mar 5 2021

...GALE WARNING THROUGH SATURDAY...
...HEAVY FREEZING SPRAY WARNING TODAY...

.TODAY...W wind 30 to 45 kt diminishing to 20 to 35 kt in the
afternoon. Seas 28 to 33 ft subsiding to 19 to 29 ft in the
afternoon. Heavy freezing spray in the morning. Snow showers.
.TONIGHT...SW wind 20 to 35 kt increasing to 30 to 45 kt after
midnight. Seas 16 to 23 ft. Freezing spray. Snow.
.SAT...SW wind 40 kt. Seas 21 to 24 ft. Freezing spray in the
morning.
.SAT NIGHT...S wind 35 to 45 kt. Seas 18 to 24 ft.
.SUN...SW wind 25 to 40 kt. Seas 11 to 19 ft.
.MON THROUGH TUE...SW wind 10 to 25 kt. Seas 6 to 11 ft.

$$

PKZ413-060200-
Bering Sea Offshore 171W to 180 and South of 56N-
358 AM AKST Fri Mar 5 2021

...GALE WARNING THROUGH SATURDAY...

.TODAY...W wind 30 to 45 kt. Seas 24 to 34 ft.
.TONIGHT...SW wind 40 kt. Seas 22 ft.
.SAT...SW wind 30 to 40 kt. Seas 18 to 22 ft.
.SAT NIGHT...S wind 30 to 45 kt. Seas 15 to 20 ft.
.SUN THROUGH TUE...SW wind 20 to 35 kt. Seas 8 to 16 ft.

$$

PKZ414-060200-
Bering Sea Offshore East of 171W-
358 AM AKST Fri Mar 5 2021

...GALE WARNING THROUGH SATURDAY...

.TODAY...W wind 30 to 45 kt diminishing to 25 to 35 kt in the
afternoon. Seas 17 to 32 ft. Freezing spray.
.TONIGHT...W wind 20 to 35 kt. Seas 15 to 23 ft. Freezing spray.
.SAT...SW wind 20 to 35 kt becoming 30 kt in the afternoon. Seas
14 to 20 ft.
.SAT NIGHT...S wind 30 to 45 kt. Seas 13 to 18 ft.
.SUN...SW wind 30 to 45 kt. Seas 10 to 18 ft.
.MON THROUGH TUE...SW wind 10 to 25 kt. Seas 7 to 12 ft.

$$
872 
FZAK62 PAFC 051310 CCA
OFFALU

Offshore Waters Forecast
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
358 AM AKST Fri Mar 5 2021

Offshore Waters Forecast for the Bering Sea

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.

PKZ499-060200-
358 AM AKST Fri Mar 5 2021

.SYNOPSIS FOR CENTRAL BERING SEA...

A front over the central Aleutians and Bering moves into the eastern 
Bering and weakens by Sat morning. A 990 mb low associated  with a 
front over the western Bering this morning moves to 59N 175E by Sat 
morning and then moves into the northern Bering by Sat afternoon. A 
965 mb low moves to 60N 174E by Sun morning.

$$

PKZ411-060200-
Bering Sea Offshore West of 180 and East of the International
Dateline-
358 AM AKST Fri Mar 5 2021

...GALE WARNING THROUGH SATURDAY...
...HEAVY FREEZING SPRAY WARNING TODAY...

.TODAY...W wind 25 to 40 kt. Seas 16 to 28 ft. Heavy freezing spray
in the morning. Snow showers.
.TONIGHT...SW wind 30 to 45 kt. Seas 15 to 23 ft building to 21 to
25 ft after midnight. Freezing spray.
.SAT...SW wind 45 kt. Seas 21 to 25 ft. Snow showers.
.SAT NIGHT...SW wind 30 to 45 kt. Seas 16 to 25 ft.
.SUN THROUGH MON...W wind 15 to 30 kt. Seas 9 to 17 ft.
.TUE...SW wind 10 to 20 kt. Seas 5 to 9 ft.

$$

PKZ412-060200-
Bering Sea Offshore 171W to 180 and North of 56N-
358 AM AKST Fri Mar 5 2021

...GALE WARNING THROUGH SATURDAY...
...HEAVY FREEZING SPRAY WARNING TODAY...

.TODAY...W wind 30 to 45 kt diminishing to 20 to 35 kt in the
afternoon. Seas 28 to 33 ft subsiding to 19 to 29 ft in the
afternoon. Heavy freezing spray in the morning. Snow showers.
.TONIGHT...SW wind 20 to 35 kt increasing to 30 to 45 kt after
midnight. Seas 16 to 23 ft. Freezing spray. Snow.
.SAT...SW wind 40 kt. Seas 21 to 24 ft. Freezing spray in the
morning.
.SAT NIGHT...S wind 35 to 45 kt. Seas 18 to 24 ft.
.SUN...SW wind 25 to 40 kt. Seas 11 to 19 ft.
.MON THROUGH TUE...SW wind 10 to 25 kt. Seas 6 to 11 ft.

$$

PKZ413-060200-
Bering Sea Offshore 171W to 180 and South of 56N-
358 AM AKST Fri Mar 5 2021

...GALE WARNING THROUGH SATURDAY...

.TODAY...W wind 30 to 45 kt. Seas 24 to 34 ft.
.TONIGHT...SW wind 40 kt. Seas 22 ft.
.SAT...SW wind 30 to 40 kt. Seas 18 to 22 ft.
.SAT NIGHT...S wind 30 to 45 kt. Seas 15 to 20 ft.
.SUN THROUGH TUE...SW wind 20 to 35 kt. Seas 8 to 16 ft.

$$

PKZ414-060200-
Bering Sea Offshore East of 171W-
358 AM AKST Fri Mar 5 2021

...GALE WARNING THROUGH SATURDAY...

.TODAY...W wind 30 to 45 kt diminishing to 25 to 35 kt in the
afternoon. Seas 17 to 32 ft. Freezing spray.
.TONIGHT...W wind 20 to 35 kt. Seas 15 to 23 ft. Freezing spray.
.SAT...SW wind 20 to 35 kt becoming 30 kt in the afternoon. Seas
14 to 20 ft.
.SAT NIGHT...S wind 30 to 45 kt. Seas 13 to 18 ft.
.SUN...SW wind 30 to 45 kt. Seas 10 to 18 ft.
.MON THROUGH TUE...SW wind 10 to 25 kt. Seas 7 to 12 ft.

$$
053 
FZAK62 PAFC 060040
OFFALU

Offshore Waters Forecast
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
340 PM AKST Fri Mar 5 2021

Offshore Waters Forecast for the Bering Sea

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.

PKZ499-061545-
340 PM AKST Fri Mar 5 2021
.SYNOPSIS FOR CENTRAL BERING SEA...

VENIAMINOF VOLCANO AT 56N 159W IS CURRENTLY ACTIVE. 

A 994 mb low at 56N 166E moves into the Chukotsk Peninsula Sun 
afternoon. Its front moves into the Chukchi Sea with the trailing 
front moving into the Central Bering by Sun afternoon. Several 
waves of lower pressure follow this front through Sun afternoon.

$$

PKZ411-061545-
Bering Sea Offshore West of 180 and East of the International
Dateline-
340 PM AKST Fri Mar 5 2021

...STORM WARNING SATURDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT...

.TONIGHT...SW wind 25 to 40 kt increasing to 35 to 45 kt after
midnight. Seas 15 to 23 ft. Freezing spray north of 57N in the
evening.
.SAT...SW wind 35 to 50 kt. Seas 19 to 23 ft.
.SAT NIGHT...SW wind 30 to 50 kt. Seas 20 to 26 ft. Freezing spray. 
Snow showers.
.SUN...W wind 20 to 35 kt. Seas 15 to 22 ft.
.SUN NIGHT...W wind 15 to 30 kt. Seas 13 to 17 ft.
.MON THROUGH WED...SW wind 15 to 30 kt. Seas 7 to 12 ft.

$$

PKZ412-061545-
Bering Sea Offshore 171W to 180 and North of 56N-
340 PM AKST Fri Mar 5 2021

...GALE WARNING THROUGH SATURDAY NIGHT...

.TONIGHT...SW wind 25 to 40 kt. Seas 16 to 22 ft. Freezing spray
north of 58N in the evening.
.SAT...SW wind 40 kt. Seas 18 to 22 ft.
.SAT NIGHT...S wind 30 to 40 kt. Seas 16 to 22 ft. Widespread snow
showers.
.SUN...SW wind 25 to 40 kt. Seas 16 to 21 ft.
.SUN NIGHT...W wind 15 to 25 kt. Seas 13 to 16 ft.
.MON THROUGH WED...SW wind 10 to 25 kt. Seas 7 to 12 ft.

$$

PKZ413-061545-
Bering Sea Offshore 171W to 180 and South of 56N-
340 PM AKST Fri Mar 5 2021

...GALE WARNING THROUGH SATURDAY NIGHT...

.TONIGHT...SW wind 20 to 35 kt. Seas 21 ft.
.SAT...SW wind 25 to 35 kt. Seas 15 to 20 ft.
.SAT NIGHT...S wind 25 to 40 kt. Seas 15 to 18 ft. Snow and
widespread rain showers.
.SUN...SW wind 25 to 40 kt. Seas 13 to 18 ft.
.SUN NIGHT...W wind 15 to 30 kt. Seas 12 to 15 ft.
.MON THROUGH WED...W wind 15 to 30 kt. Seas 9 to 14 ft.

$$

PKZ414-061545-
Bering Sea Offshore East of 171W-
340 PM AKST Fri Mar 5 2021

.TONIGHT...W wind 15 to 30 kt. Seas 14 to 22 ft.
.SAT...SW wind 15 to 30 kt. Seas 13 to 19 ft.
.SAT NIGHT...SW wind 25 kt becoming S after midnight. Seas 11 to
16 ft.
.SUN...S wind 25 to 40 kt. Seas 11 to 17 ft.
.SUN NIGHT...SW wind 25 to 40 kt. Seas 11 to 17 ft.
.MON THROUGH TUE...SW wind 15 to 30 kt. Seas 8 to 13 ft.
.WED...N wind up to 15 kt. Seas 3 to 6 ft.

$$

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this heavy freezing spray warning 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 heavy freezing spray warning went out at Mar 3, 5:20 PM AKST, 9 hours 54 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Mar 3, 5:20 PM AKST, 9 hours 54 minutes before
Southcentral and Southwest Alaska Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
520 PM AKST Wed Mar 3 2021

.ANALYSIS AND UPPER LEVELS...

A broad ridge building over the western Bering is forcing a more
amplified pattern to set up as an elongated trough shifts eastward
toward the Alaska-Yukon border. Farther west, there is an upper
level low over Kamchatka gradually tracking eastward. The
associated front is in place across the western Bering,
transporting warmer, southerly flow northward over much of the
Western Bering. Meanwhile over Southcentral, fog and low level
stratus in place this morning has dissipated, and northerly
outflow winds continue to aid the clearing process. A weakening
low in place over the central Gulf continues to bring a few
lingering showers to areas along the northern Gulf coast.

&&

.MODEL DISCUSSION...

Overall, model solutions remain in good synoptic agreement. The
finer details, however, reveal several discrepancies. As the
Kamchatka low moves east, its front will push inland over
Southwest Thursday. Model solutions have been struggling with the
location of the triple point that forms in the vicinity of Kodiak
Island Friday. At this time, the NAM seems to be the outlier,
keeping the developing low much weaker and broader, without a
defined circulation. In contrast, the GFS/EC/Canadian solutions
all advertise a well defined low spinning up and moving into the
western Gulf by Friday morning. The GFS solution even suggests
storm force winds on the backside of this low Friday morning,
however it is the lone model to suggest this. The track this low
takes will largely affect the weather over the next few days,
first for Kodiak Island, and then for Southcentral. How far north
or south this low tracks as it travels eastward across the Gulf
will determine snowfall amounts and wind fields. At this time,
confidence is high that temperatures will be cold enough to
produce an all-snow event for areas across the northern Gulf, but
confidence remains low with regard to the the track and position
of this low.

&&

.AVIATION...

PANC...VFR conditions are expected through the afternoon with
light northerly winds. Freezing fog over Cook Inlet may develop
again during the overnight hours, and drift into the terminal
during the early morning on Thursday, though expect fog to
dissipate by late Thursday morning.

&&

.SHORT TERM FORECAST SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA (Days 1 and 3: Today
through Saturday afternoon)...

A cold air mass remains anchored in place over Southcentral with
quiet and clear conditions predominantly expected through this
evening along with continued cool temperatures. Gap and outflow
winds along the North Gulf Coast supported by offshore flow and
cold air in place over the interior will reach their peak this
evening. The strongest winds will blow through the Copper River
Delta and Thompson Pass, where northerly gusts as high as 50 to 60
mph are possible through tonight. These winds should shut off
rapidly during the day on Thursday as low level flow reverses and
becomes onshore by Thursday evening. Areas of fog are possible
once again over parts of the Mat-Su valleys after nightfall as
the boundary layer decouples and temperatures near the surface
cool into the single digits.

Attention from there shifts to the next system approaching from
the Southwest. A triple point low is expected to form along a
weakening front moving in from the Southwest, and this compact low
will track somewhere just south of Kodiak Island on Thursday Night
into Friday. A quick-hitting but possibly intense round of wet
snow is likely for Kodiak Island north of the low center, with
3 to 6 inches of snowfall currently expected for Kodiak City late
Thursday into Friday morning. However, some uncertainty persists
with the track of the low, and any shift north or south could
result in higher or lower totals than currently expected. As the
low pushes farther east Friday, snow will spread into the eastern
Kenai Peninsula along an inverted trough extending from the Gulf
low. Several inches of snowfall are possible from Friday into
Saturday with this band along parts of the Kenai Peninsula
including Seward, Homer and Whittier, but uncertainty here remains
for where the axis of heaviest snowfall will set up. Minor
snowfall accumulations are also possible on Saturday morning as
the band moves west over the Matanuska Valley prior to the
passage of an upper level shortwave, along with another shot of
much colder arctic air moving in from the northwest.

&&

.SHORT TERM FORECAST SOUTHWEST ALASKA (Days 1 through 3)...

An active weather pattern is in store for Southwest Alaska over
the next 3 days. An occluded front (warm occlusion) will approach
Southwest Alaska this evening and tonight. Winds will increase
overnight to gale force along the coastal Kuskokwim Delta and
Nunivak Island by Thursday morning. The strongest winds will occur
in and around Etolin Strait due to this area being prone to the
localized funneling of south to southeasterly winds. Snow will
begin falling early Wednesday morning across Nunivak Island and
reach the Kuskokwim Delta by mid-morning Wednesday. The snow will
then begin in Bristol Bay during the late morning hours on
Wednesday and the Kuskokwim Valley by mid-afternoon. Accumulations
range from 3-5" across the Kuskokwim Delta, 4-8" across Nunivak
Island, 3-6" across Bristol Bay and 3-5" across the Kuskokwim
Valley with locally higher amounts in spots. A Blizzard Warning
has been issued from 6am AKST Wednesday morning through 6pm AKST
Wednesday evening for the coastal Kuskokwim Delta and Nunivak
Island as gale force winds in addition to this snow will restrict
visibility to a quarter of a mile or less at times. Farther inland
in the Kuskokwim Delta and Kuskokwim Valley, winds will not be as
strong, though visibility can be restricted to a half of a mile
at times inside of the heaviest snowbands. A Winter Weather
Advisory has been issued for Bristol Bay for snow and blowing snow
from 11am AKST through 11pm AKST as visibilities will be reduced
to a half of a mile at times with areas in the heaviest snowbands
expected to see 6" of snow within a 12 hour period.

With respect to precipitation type, there is high confidence that
the precipitation will remain as snow across the Kuskokwim Delta,
Kuskokwim Valley, Bristol Bay and the northern AKPEN. BUFKIT
soundings consistently show temperatures remaining below freezing
from the surface through the upper levels. Likewise, guidance is
consistent in the warm front occluding before it reaches Southwest
Alaska. This means the above freezing layer aloft will erode and
thus make for below freezing temperatures from the cloud to the
surface. The NAM was the warmest outlier with bringing this warmer
layer farther north compared to the rest of guidance and this
solution also showed the above freezing aloft become completely
eroded before the onset of precipitation. Farther to the south
(i.e. southern AKPEN), forecast soundings show this above
freezing layer aloft not eroding completely which will allow for
the snow to mix with rain at times. There is also no cold air
damming present and this above layer aloft will be short-lived
which inhibits the potential for freezing rain or sleet.

The snow will then gradually taper off across Nunivak Island late
Thursday afternoon, Thursday evening for the Kuskokwim Delta,
Thursday night for coastal Bristol Bay and Friday morning for the
Kuskokwim Valley.

We are currently monitoring the potential for elevated water
levels along coastal Bristol Bay Friday afternoon into Saturday.
Confidence remains low at this time, however with the current
pattern of widespread gale force westerly winds combined with long
period 20-30ft swell behind this occluded front it cannot be
ruled out.

&&

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

An active weather pattern is in store for the Bering/Aleutians over
the next 3 days. A quick moving transient ridge of high pressure
will pass over the eastern Aleutians and AKPEN tonight and thus
weaken the strong northwesterly gap winds throughout the coastal
marine zones south of the AKPEN and eastern Aleutian Chain. A
front that is currently approaching the central Aleutians is
producing widespread storm force winds in the western Bering Sea
with an even larger area of gale force winds. This front will
continue to move eastward and completely move over land by
Thursday afternoon. Areas along the Aleutian chain that are prone
to the localized funneling of winds from the south will experience
enhanced winds. Gusts associated with this front will reach low-
end hurricane force in localized areas. Behind this front,
widespread west-northwesterly gale force winds with localized
areas of storm force winds will produce large westerly swell that
will build to 30-35ft in spots across the central Bering Sea. The
combination of widespread gale force winds with a very long fetch
over the water allow for this large swell to form. This swell
will remain long in period. This 30-35ft westerly swell will begin
to gradually abate Thursday afternoon and will remain 20-25ft on
Friday.

&&

.MARINE (Days 3 through 5: Saturday through Monday)...

Bering Sea: A Northern Bering low tracks into Northwest Alaska,
and its front moves across the Aleutians and Bering into Western
Alaska Sat night. Widespread gale force winds and waves with some
areas of storm force gusts moves into the Eastern Bering and
diminishing Mon. Seas to 24 feet and heavy freezing spray subsides
by Mon. Forecasts become unclear towards Mon. A new low and front
moves into the Western Aleutians and Bering for Mon. Seas
building to 20 feet around the Western Aleutians Mon.

Gulf of Alaska: A low exits the Gulf Sun. Strong northwesterly
outflow winds from the Alaska Peninsula weaken. Model confidence
is good. Widespread gale force winds and waves with an area of
storm force winds near the Barren Islands and heavy freezing spray
along the Alaska Peninsula diminish to small craft winds for Sun.
Wave heights 22 feet over the Gulf subsiding late Sun. A new low
and front enter the Western Gulf Sun night. Widespread
southeasterly small craft winds spread across the Gulf. Waves
building to 12 feet for Mon

&&

.LONG TERM FORECAST (Days 4 through 7: Sunday through Wednesday)...

Looking at the averaged big picture, models are in pretty good
synoptic agreement Sunday and Monday. An upper level low will
remain across the eastern portion of Siberia and is expected to
have a trough dig across the Bering and Aleutian Chain late this
weekend. Ahead of that trough, ridging sets up across
southcentral.

Overall this means temperatures will continue to steadily climb
throughout the daytime hours Sunday and Monday across much of the
region. Inland areas across southcentral could see temperatures
rise above freezing for the first time since the middle of
January. This pattern could potentially turn into a snowier
regime for Southcentral and in particular across the Anchorage
Bowl. However, many factors have to come together for Anchorage to
get the snow, though, the storm track looks favorable with model
guidance mostly bringing lows near and into Prince William Sound
with details of each uncertain.

&&

.AFC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
PUBLIC...Blizzard Warning 155.
		 Winter Weather Advisory 161.
MARINE...Storm Warning 177-179 181 185 411-414.
		 Gale Warning 131 150 155 165 170-176 180.
		 Heavy Freezing Spray Warning 121 130 138 160 165 180 185
									  414.
FIRE WEATHER...NONE.

&&

SYNOPSIS AND MODEL DISCUSSION...KO
SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA...AS
SOUTHWEST ALASKA/BERING SEA/ALEUTIANS...ED
MARINE/LONG TERM...MK/SS

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Mar 3, 3:48 PM AKSTStorm WarningAFC36 hr
Mar 3, 3:48 PM AKSTStorm WarningAFC24 hr
Mar 3, 3:54 PM AKSTSmall Craft AdvisoryAFC5 days
Mar 3, 3:54 PM AKSTHeavy Freezing Spray WarningAFC11 hr
Mar 3, 4:28 PM AKSTBlizzard WarningAFC26 hr
Mar 3, 4:28 PM AKSTWinter Weather AdvisoryAFC43 hr
Mar 4, 3:14 AM AKSTGale WarningAFC4 days
Mar 4, 3:14 AM AKSTGale WarningAFC4 days
Mar 4, 3:14 AM AKSTHeavy Freezing Spray WarningAFC13 hr
Mar 4, 3:15 AM AKSTGale WarningAFC60 hr
Mar 4, 3:23 AM AKSTGale WarningAFC13 hr
Mar 4, 3:23 AM AKSTSmall Craft AdvisoryAFC3 days
Mar 4, 4:00 AM AKSTWinter Weather AdvisoryAFC32 hr

Nearby

Heavy Freezing Spray Warnings in Alaska, 2021Every heavy freezing spray warning in 2021

Sources

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