The Morning Report
Get the news and information you need to take on the day.
Sunday, Feb. 11, 2007 | Today we have a hefty amount of WNW swell along the California coast accompanied by some precipitation and onshore winds. Size will drop dramatically by midweek, but it looks like we’ll be seeing some good-sized NW swell by the weekend. More NW is being tracked for the 22nd as well. Condition-wise, weather will flip-flop a bit over the next couple of days, but we could see an offshore event by the end of the week. Tide though will be an issue as the week progresses.
Right now, the California Buoy is checking in at 10 feet with 11-second periods. Closer to the coast, the Half Moon Bay buoy is at 11 feet with 14-second periods, and the Cape San Martin buoy is at 10 feet with 15-second periods. SoCal buoys are just now showing the arrival of the WNW swell with heights increasing in just the past couple of hours.
Overall, the swell energy in the water shows westerly periods averaging 14-17 seconds from 285 degrees, with wind swell coming in from 270 with 11-second periods.
Please note that the long periods in today’s swell will inevitably make for variation in size between breaks of varying…[more]
Additionally, this swell’s long periods combined with some storm-driven consistency can produce some deceiving lulls at times; many waves may look surfable, while every now and then bigger waves could roll in. This swell will also inevitably increase the risk of riptides, especially during the outgoing tides at west facing breaks, and alongshore currents are a concern as well. Caution is advised.
In SoCal, wave heights on the sets are running head high + at most west facing breaks with some DOH sets coming through at standouts. South facing spots are running chest high +, head high or better at dual exposure spots. Note that due to the angle of the incoming swell, island blockage is affecting the OC region today where there is smaller size at many breaks.
Northern California and the Central Coast are seeing sets running 2-3 feet overhead at most west facing breaks, DOH+ at times at standouts. South facing breaks are running chest to head high.
Since many areas have seen rain recently, we are now 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 doesn’t fluctuate much today, but we will be seeing a tidal swing this week as we approach a New Moon on Friday. This spring tide will be bringing…[more]
Water temperatures are averaging 59 degrees in San Diego, 58 in Orange County, 59 in LA, 57 in Ventura County, 59 in Santa Barbara, 57 along the Central Coast, and 54 degrees in NCal.
Winds as of 8:00 this morning were onshore most everywhere, up to 10-12 mph in some locations. Afternoon onshores are expected to reach 15+. Monday sees a temporary ridge move in to…[more]
Smaller NW by midweek…[more]
Tracking NW for weekend…[more]
Eyeing offshore event for end of week…[more]
Tracking NW for 22nd…[more]