Monday, Nov. 20, 2006 | We still have some NW left over along the California coast but this swell is on the way out. Size builds once again on Tuesday, but a stronger NW swell will be hitting by Turkey Day. Weather and winds will be shifting to an onshore flow shortly though, and it could be quite blustery by Thanksgiving. Southern hemi SW swell will be meager throughout the period but it looks like we have some New Zealand SW headed our way for the 30th.
Right now, the California Buoy has dropped this morning to only 4 feet but with 14-second periods. Closer to the coast though, the Half Moon Bay buoy is at 5 feet with 14-second periods and Cape San Martin buoy is still at 6 feet with 15-second periods.
Overall, the swell energy in the water shows NW periods averaging 14 seconds from a steep 310-320 degrees. SW periods are running 14 seconds from 185 degrees.
In SoCal, wave heights are running chest high at most west facing breaks with some head high set waves coming through at times (although less frequent than yesterday). South facing breaks are seeing size primarily from NW diffraction with waist to chest high waves and pluses a little better now and again when the better set waves wrap in.
Northern California and the Central Coast are seeing chest to head high surf at most west facing breaks. Breaks with NW’erly exposure are seeing some sets running a couple feet overhead, but not as active as yesterday. South facing breaks are seeing the benefit of NW diffraction with NW waves wrapping in some long lines but size only waist to chest-bigger though at dual exposure spots.
The tide is an issue as we’re now well into a radical tidal swing from a New Moon that’ll peak on Monday. This spring tide is bringing flooding…[more]
Water temperatures are averaging 64 degrees in San Diego, 64 in Orange County, 64 in LA, 62 in Ventura County, 63 in Santa Barbara, 61 along the Central Coast, and 58 degrees in NCal.
Winds as of 8 this morning were light and variable most everywhere. A NNE flow has setup but is rather weak. This should keep winds mild throughout the morning with some onshores this afternoon picking up to 8-12 mph. Winds look similar on Monday, but on Tuesday…[more]
NW picks up Tuesday…[more]
NW to peak on Thanksgiving…[more]
Moderate SW due on the 30th…[more]