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Sea Ice for Walrus Outlook
Overview of SIWO
The Sea Ice for Walrus Outlook (SIWO) is a resource for Alaska Native subsistence hunters, coastal communities, and others interested in sea ice and walrus. The SIWO provides weekly reports during the spring sea ice season with information on weather and sea ice conditions relevant to walrus in the northern Bering Sea and southern Chukchi Sea regions of Alaska.
The Outlooks are produced with information on weather and sea ice conditions provided by the National Weather Service – Alaska Region and Alaska Native sea ice experts. SIWO is managed by the Arctic Research Consortium of the U.S. (ARCUS), in partnership with the Eskimo Walrus Commission, the National Weather Service, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and local observers. AOOS became a partner in the SIWO program in 2022 by providing weekly forecasts of surface currents and sea-ice.
Background photo courtesy of Clarence Irrigoo, Jr.
Weekly Forecasts Archive
SIWO Forecast – Friday, April 10, 2026
Assessment of Current Ice Conditions Relevant to Distribution and Access of Walrus Synopsis: High pressure across mainland Alaska and low pressure across Siberia results in warm temperatures, multiple precipitation chances, and gusty south winds at times through...
SIWO Forecast – April 3, 2026
Assessment of Current Ice Conditions Relevant to Distribution and Access of Walrus Synopsis: Spring-like conditions are going to continue through much of next week. High pressure remains over eastern Siberia, which is allowing for the island to be dry. This high...
SIWO Forecast – June 27, 2025
Assessment of Current Ice Conditions Relevant to Distribution and Access of Walrus Click the name of each community below to view more frequently updated and detailed information from the National Weather Service. Synopsis: A warmer and drier pattern starts to settle...
SIWO Forecast – June 20, 2025
Assessment of Current Ice Conditions Relevant to Distribution and Access of Walrus Click the name of each community below to view more frequently updated and detailed information from the National Weather Service. Synopsis: Unsettled weather will begin Friday night...
SIWO Forecast – June 13, 2025
Assessment of Current Ice Conditions Relevant to Distribution and Access of Walrus Click the name of each community below to view more frequently updated and detailed information from the National Weather Service. Synopsis: Generally wet and rainy conditions to start...
SIWO Forecast – June 6, 2025
Assessment of Current Ice Conditions Relevant to Distribution and Access of Walrus Click the name of each community below to view more frequently updated and detailed information from the National Weather Service. Synopsis: Generally dry conditions with sustained...
SIWO Forecast – May 30, 2025
Assessment of Current Ice Conditions Relevant to Distribution and Access of Walrus Click the name of each community below to view more frequently updated and detailed information from the National Weather Service. Synopsis: There will be a few waves of low pressure...
SIWO Forecast – May 23, 2025
Assessment of Current Ice Conditions Relevant to Distribution and Access of Walrus Click the name of each community below to view more frequently updated and detailed information from the National Weather Service. Synopsis: Generally northerly winds with cloudy...
SIWO Forecast – May 16, 2025
Assessment of Current Ice Conditions Relevant to Distribution and Access of Walrus Click the name of each community below to view more frequently updated and detailed information from the National Weather Service. Synopsis: Mostly dry conditions with northerly flow...
SIWO Forecast – May 9, 2025
Assessment of Current Ice Conditions Relevant to Distribution and Access of Walrus Click the name of each community below to view more frequently updated and detailed information from the National Weather Service. Synopsis:A large low-pressure system spins over the...
SIWO Forecast – May 2, 2025
Assessment of Current Ice Conditions Relevant to Distribution and Access of Walrus Click the name of each community below to view more frequently updated and detailed information from the National Weather Service. Synopsis: Weak northerly flow persists over the region...
SIWO Forecast – April 25, 2025
Assessment of Current Ice Conditions Relevant to Distribution and Access of Walrus Click the name of each community below to view more frequently updated and detailed information from the National Weather Service. Synopsis: A low-pressure system will make its way up...
SIWO Forecast – April 18, 2025
Assessment of Current Ice Conditions Relevant to Distribution and Access of Walrus Click the name of each community below to view more frequently updated and detailed information from the National Weather Service. Synopsis: A low-pressure system over western Alaska...
SIWO Forecast – April 11, 2025
Assessment of Current Ice Conditions Relevant to Distribution and Access of Walrus Click the name of each community below to view more frequently updated and detailed information from the National Weather Service. Synopsis: A cold low-pressure system over western...
SIWO Forecast – April 4, 2025
Assessment of Current Ice Conditions Relevant to Distribution and Access of Walrus Click the name of each community below to view more frequently updated and detailed information from the National Weather Service. Synopsis: Broad high pressure continues over St....
SIWO Forecast – March 28, 2025
Assessment of Current Ice Conditions Relevant to Distribution and Access of Walrus Click the name of each community below to view more frequently updated and detailed information from the National Weather Service. Synopsis: A ridge of high pressure that is currently...
SIWO Forecast – March 21, 2025
Assessment of Current Ice Conditions Relevant to Distribution and Access of Walrus Click the name of each community below to view more frequently updated and detailed information from the National Weather Service. Synopsis: Generally quiet weather is expected for St....
SIWO Forecast – June 28, 2024
Assessment of Current Ice Conditions Relevant to Distribution and Access of Walrus Click the name of each community below to view more frequently updated and detailed information from the National Weather Service. Synopsis: Low pressure lingers over the Bering Sea...
Sea Ice for Walrus Outlook releases short film
The Sea Ice for Walrus Outlook (SIWO) announced the release of a new short film highlighting the collaboration and dedication of the many contributors who have shaped the program’s success as it approaches its 15th season. SIWO provides weekly updates during the...