Fairbanks, AK – Arctic sea ice coverage is steadily increasing across Alaska’s northern waters, marking a significant step in the region’s annual freeze-up, according to the National Weather Service Alaska Sea Ice Program.
Analysis from Saturday, October 25, shows moderate confidence in expanding ice concentrations across the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas. The highest concentrations — indicated in red on the latest maps — are located north of Utqiaġvik and across the central Arctic, where sea ice now covers 9–10 tenths of the area.
Closer to the Alaska coastline, the analysis shows young and first-year ice forming in nearshore zones, particularly west of Prudhoe Bay and around Point Hope. These early-season ice stages are expected to continue thickening as subfreezing temperatures persist through the end of October.
Farther offshore, areas of medium to thick first-year ice are now appearing, signaling the steady seasonal advance toward winter conditions. Coastal waters near Nome, Kotzebue, and Wainwright remain mostly ice-free for now but could begin to see light ice formation in the coming weeks.
The NWS notes that sea ice growth this month has been near seasonal averages, with continued expansion likely into early November as Arctic temperatures remain well below freezing.
Mariners and coastal communities are advised to monitor updated sea ice analyses and marine forecasts for changing ice edge positions and navigation conditions.
