Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2006 | Today we have a small mix of SW and NW ground swells along the coast. Nothing epic is on the horizon at the moment, but we do have some light SW and NW near the end of the week, and it looks like we’ll have a moderate burst of south swell on Friday the 13th. Weather has turned favorable today, but a low sitting offshore and a trough lagging behind it are poised to bring some wind issues and precipitation to most areas shortly. The weekend should take a turn for the better on the weather, but we are facing one heck of a lunar event and astronomically high tides.
Right now, the California Buoy is checking in at 4 feet with 11-second periods. Closer to the coast, the Half Moon Bay buoy is at 4 feet with 12-second periods and Cape San Martin buoy is at 4 feet with 12-second periods.
The energy on these buoys reflects the NW element. The southerly element is much smaller in the 1.2-1.6 foot range, but with exceptionally long, 18-20 second periods.
Overall, the swell energy in the water shows NW periods averaging 13 seconds from 285 degrees and SW periods running 18-20 seconds from 200 degrees.
In SoCal, wave heights are running waist high most everywhere with some chest high sets coming through now and again at standout west facing breaks.
Northern California and the Central Coast are seeing waist to chest high surf at most west facing breaks. South facing breaks are running waist high.
Although we didn’t see much rain Sunday and some areas remained dry, regions that did get some precipitation will still face the possibility of increased bacteria levels from run off. As a reminder, there is a risk of increased bacteria levels through a period of at least 72-hours following the end of any measurable rain event. Water contact should be avoided during this period, especially within 100 yards of drainpipes, creek outlets, river mouths, etc.
The tide will be climbing to problematic highs this week as we approach a whopper of a Full Moon this Friday. This will create a radical tidal swing with highs hitting the 7-foot zone by…[more]
Water temperatures have continued to drop over the past 48 hours and are averaging 64 degrees in San Diego, 63 in Orange County, 65 in LA, 62 in Ventura County, 63 in Santa Barbara, 58 along the central coast, and 58 degrees in NCal.
Winds as of 7:00 this morning were light and variable most everywhere. Afternoon onshores are expected to reach 12 mph. Not much changes Wednesday, but Wednesday night a strong low is…[more]
Light NW and SW due Thursday…[more]
Winds issues Thursday…[more]
Light NW and SW during the weekend…[more]
Tracking SW for 13th…[more]