Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2007 | Today we still have plenty of NW swell along the coast, but this will be backing off throughout the day. A system in the Gulf will affect NCal tomorrow, but SoCal should see size back off until the end of the week. More rain though is on the way. Long-range models are showing more NW swell coming down from the Gulf next week.
Right now, the California Buoy is checking in at 9 feet with 11-second periods. Closer to the coast, the Half Moon Bay buoy is at 8 feet with 12-second periods, and the Cape San Martin buoy is at 8 feet with 12-second periods.
Overall, the swell energy in the water shows NW periods averaging 11 seconds from 300 degrees.
In SoCal, wave heights are running chest to head high at most west facing breaks. South facing breaks are running waist high, bigger though at dual exposure spots. Note though that the OC region is once again shadowed from much of this incoming swell by island blockage.
Northern California and the Central Coast are seeing sets running a couple feet overhead at most west facing breaks. South facing breaks are running chest to at times head high from NW diffraction.
Since most areas have seen rain in the past 24 hours, 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 recuperating back to more normal levels. The next tidal swing will occur near the…[more]
Water temperatures are averaging 59 degrees in San Diego, 58 in Orange County, 59 in LA, 58 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 with a light offshore effect. Onshore winds this afternoon should stay light, below 12 mph. Wednesday should see some fairly light winds, but with the storm approaching Thursday, we are expecting…[more]
More weather expected during second half of week…[more]
NW with SW Friday, Saturday…[more]
Tracking NW for 27th-28th…[more]