Kodiak Island
Special Weather Statement issued August 29 at 7:38PM AKDT by NWS Anchorage AK
Strong northwesterly winds have developed across Shelikof Strait and the waters around southern Kodiak Island. These winds are resuspending ash from the 1912 Katmai-Novarupta eruption, potentially causing haze and trace amounts of ash accumulation. The villages of Karluk and Larsen Bay are most likely to be impacted. Those in sensitive groups or with respiratory ailments are encouraged to avoid or reduce outdoor activity to avoid inhaling the ash. The winds will weaken slowly through the day Sunday with rain moving over the Alaska Peninsula Sunday afternoon. This rain will wet the ash and should prevent further resuspension. Looking ahead, more strong winds and dry conditions will develop Monday morning and continue through as late as Tuesday. This may generate more resuspended ash. Stay tuned for updates.
Gale Warning issued August 29 at 3:23PM AKDT until August 31 at 5:00AM AKDT by NWS Anchorage AK
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. .TONIGHT...NW wind 35 kt. Gusts to 40 kt. Seas 8 ft. .SUN...NW wind 25 kt. Seas 6 ft. .SUN NIGHT...W wind 30 kt increasing to 40 kt after midnight. Seas 8 ft. .MON...NW wind 40 kt. Seas 9 ft. .MON NIGHT...NW wind 35 kt. Seas 9 ft. .TUE...NW wind 25 kt. Seas 7 ft. .WED...W wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft. .THU...S wind 15 kt. Seas 5 ft.
Gale Warning issued August 29 at 3:23PM AKDT until August 30 at 5:00AM AKDT by NWS Anchorage AK
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. .TONIGHT...NW wind 35 kt. Gusts to 40 kt. Seas 8 ft. .SUN...NW wind 25 kt. Seas 6 ft. .SUN NIGHT...W wind 30 kt increasing to 40 kt after midnight. Seas 8 ft. .MON...NW wind 40 kt. Seas 9 ft. .MON NIGHT...NW wind 35 kt. Seas 9 ft. .TUE...NW wind 25 kt. Seas 7 ft. .WED...W wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft. .THU...S wind 15 kt. Seas 5 ft.
Overview
Kodiak Island is Alaska's largest island and home to the 1.9 million-acre Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, accessible only by floatplane or boat—no roads or maintained trails penetrate the refuge interior. The island is open year-round and accessible via commercial flights from Anchorage or the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system. Road system camping is available at two state recreation sites: Buskin River (15 sites along a prime salmon fishery) and Pasagshak River (6 tent sites, 6 RV sites with 40' limit, 7-night maximum stay). The refuge itself offers remote public use cabins bookable through Recreation.gov, all requiring float plane access except Blue Fox Bay, Uganik Island, and Viekoda Bay which are boat-accessible. Winter brings mild, rainy conditions typical of southern Alaska. The Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center in downtown reopened in April 2025 after winter closure. Be aware that much land along the road system is owned by Native corporations requiring day-use and camping permits due to past abuse. Weather is notoriously variable—always plan for delays. Recent fishery closures (Gulf of Alaska pollock) have impacted the local economy but don't affect visitor access. The island hosts approximately 13,000 residents, 2,300+ brown bears, and 600+ nesting bald eagle pairs.
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