Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2007 | Today we have a small to moderate amount of NW ground swell along the coast. Size takes a temporary dip Wednesday morning before some significant westerly swell hits our shores Thursday. Weather and winds should begin to cooperate then, but we’ll still be dealing with an excessively high morning tide.
Right now, the California Buoy is checking in at a mere 4 feet with 12-second periods. Closer to the coast, the Half Moon Bay buoy is at 5 feet with 14-second periods, and the Cape San Martin buoy at 5 feet with 16-second periods.
Overall, the swell energy in the water shows NW periods averaging 16 seconds from 300 degrees.
In SoCal, wave heights are running waist to chest high at most west facing breaks, but spotty. South facing breaks are running ankle to waist high, bigger at dual exposure spots. Note that due to the angle of the incoming swell today, the OC region is once again sheltered from island blockage.
Northern California and the Central Coast are seeing sets running chest to head high at most west-facing breaks. South facing breaks are running chest to shoulder high.
Note that since many areas have seen rain recently (and more is likely later today), we are facing the possibility of increased bacteria levels from runoff. 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 is an issue as we’re now deep into a tidal swing due to a Full Moon Friday. This spring tide is bringing early morning highs above 6 feet, slowing things down near…[more]
Water temperatures are averaging 58 degrees in San Diego, 58 in Orange County, 58 in LA, 57 in Ventura County, 58 in Santa Barbara, 55 along the Central Coast, and 52 degrees in NCal.
Winds as of 7:00 this morning were light and variable most everywhere. Winds should remain light throughout the day; however, that cut-off low is still poised to bring some precipitation today while swirling some south winds around the region—winds though should remain well below 10 mph. Wednesday is a transition…[more]
NW swell hits the coast Thursday…[more]
NW fades this weekend, but not flat…[more]
Fair weather ahead for end of week, weekend…[more]
Tracking NW for 7th-9th…[more]