Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2006 | Today we have some small to moderate NW swell along the California coast with an excessively high tide shutting down most spots right now. We’re still on track for the significant NW swell event at the end of the week, and more NW is on the radar for next week as well. Weather though could be an issue, more so by next week.
Right now, the California Buoy is at 8 feet with 17-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 13-second periods.
Overall, the swell energy in the water shows NW periods averaging 12 seconds from 290-300 degrees. SW periods are running 12 seconds from 200.
In SoCal, wave heights are running knee to waist high most everywhere with west facing breaks seeing some better sets at times, occasionally running chest high (but rare).
Northern California and the Central Coast are seeing sets running chest to head high at most west facing breaks. South facing breaks are running waist to occasionally chest high.
The tide remains problematic as we’re now well in the midst of a radical tidal swing from a Full Moon that peaked Monday. This spring tide is bringing flooding highs towards the 7-foot range for early morning sessions, shutting down…[more]
Water temperatures are averaging 61 degrees in San Diego, 60 in Orange County, 61 in LA, 59 in Ventura County, 59 in Santa Barbara, 59 along the Central Coast, and 58 degrees in NCal.
Winds as of 7:00 this morning were light and variable most everywhere with a light, ENE element. Gradients have relaxed, and a diurnal pattern is expected today with moderate afternoon onshores. On Wednesday…[more]
Significantly sized NW for end of week into weekend…[more]
Tracking more NW for next week…[more]
Precipitation chances in the forecast…[more]