Blackstone Bay is a dramatic, high-energy fjord located just southwest of Whittier. It is famous for its sheer granite walls, hanging valley glaciers, and massive waterfalls that cascade thousands of feet into the sea.
Navigation & Safety
Katabatic Winds: Cold, dense air masses frequently roll off the massive icefield at the head of the bay, cascading down the Blackstone and Beloit glaciers. These katabatic winds can reach severe storm forces with little warning, even during warm, sunny weather. Always verify anchor set and monitor holding closely.
Glacial Calving: Keep a safe distance of at least 1/2 mile (1,000 yards) from the active calving faces of Blackstone and Beloit glaciers. The resulting waves can sw swamp small boats and push icebergs violently.
Anchorages: Safe anchorages inside the bay are limited due to extreme water depths. The primary wilderness anchorage is located near the eastern side of the bay’s head, but it remains exposed to severe katabatic wind flows.
Key Region Highlights
Blackstone Glacier
Beloit Glacier
Waterfall Cliffs
Katabatic Winds
💨 Weather Telemetry & Multi-Model Forecast
Cross-referenced predictions & active sensor readings
Status: Active Live Query
Cache State: Dynamic / Live Sync
*Values are compiled via API matching and NOAA local models. Predicted wind speed values represent sustained wind estimates in knots. Dynamic variance reflects divergence from global GFS baseline forecasts.
This region transits the Eshamy District (Blackstone Shoreline). During active commercial drift-gillnetting and purse-seine openings, hundreds of commercial fishing vessels deploy nets stretching 900 to 1,500 feet across the channel.
District Coverage: Eshamy District (Blackstone Shoreline)
Standard Summer Openings: Generally closed to commercial salmon gear in inner bay
Navigation Directives inside Net Mazes:
Reduce Speed: Keep vessel at slow transit speeds to avoid drifting gillnets which float just below the surface.
Never Cross Seine Halves: Do not pass between a seining vessel and its active seine skiff. The net block is absolute.
Active Radio Watch: Keep VHF radio tuned to Channel 16 and Channel 10 (standard local commercial coordination).
Identify Net Markers: Look for orange or red poly-balls marking the tail-ends of drift nets. Pass at least 150 feet clear of buoy markers.
Search public Prince William Sound community pages, groups, and fishing logs for active catch reports, target locations, or transit obstacles (shrimping, salmon, halibut).
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