12/13/2018
A word of caution for any mariners expecting to venture out on the water this weekend in or around the Crescent City area. Weather conditions have a way of suddenly appearing in Northern California and all mariners, and personnel along the shore, should exercise extreme caution with these strong storm systems moving through the area this winter. If you choose to go out on the water or along the shore, remain well clear of jetties and entrance channels, wear a personal flotation device, share your plan with a friend on shore, and bring a marine-band VHF radio. As always, contact the Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16 if you find yourself in distress and in need of assistance.
Already elevated surf will build even higher Friday afternoon and evening with breaker heights around 20 feet along the Northwest California coastline. After a brief period of lower surf late Saturday, surf will again build late Sunday and into Monday as very large, long period westerly swell arrives. Breaker heights during this time period will approach 30 feet, and a High Surf Advisory or High Surf Warning may be required. Large waves will lead to increased run-up on beaches with waves topping and washing over large rocks and jetties. These large waves will be capable of sweeping people into the frigid and turbulent ocean waters. Beachgoers need to stay farther back from the surf and off of jetties or rocks, and mariners should use extreme caution when operating near the surf zone.
