A fuel cell including a water blocking layer positioned between anode gas flow channels and a gas diffusion media. The blocking layer prevents water from propagating through the gas diffusion media layer and entering the anode flow channels, while allowing gas from the flow channels to flow through the diffusion media layer to the membrane. A water accumulation channel can be provided around the perimeter of the gas diffusion media layer where blocked water is accumulated, and allowed to expand during cell freezing. A porous capillary wick can be provided in the accumulation channel for wicking water to the inlet end of the flow channels where it is used to humidify the anode gas coming into the fuel cell. The wick can have a tapered configuration so that it has a larger diameter at the gas input end of the flow channels.