The National Weather Service has extended a gale warning for the main channel of the Columbia River Bar until 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13. A hazardous seas warning follows from 10 p.m. Friday to 4 p.m. Saturday. The warnings cover the river entrance between Oregon and Washington, where strong winds and steep waves could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.
The weather service’s 12:31 a.m. Pacific update raised its forecast to 17 to 24 feet during the gale, with south winds of 25 to 35 knots and gusts up to 45 knots. Forecasters expect steep seas of 20 to 25 feet after the hazardous seas warning begins. All times are Pacific.
When conditions could be roughest
Forecasters expect seas of 16 to 18 feet around the 6:43 a.m. Friday ebb. The forecast calls for seas of 20 to 25 feet around the 6:38 p.m. Friday ebb, when the outgoing current is forecast to reach nearly 5 knots. At the 7:27 a.m. Saturday ebb, forecasters expect seas of 19 to 22 feet. The Coast Guard’s Columbia River Bar guide explains how the outgoing current can steepen waves where it meets the incoming swell.
Where to check before leaving port
The weather service recommends that mariners without suitable experience seek safe harbor. Check the time on the latest bar observation and listen for Coast Guard notices on VHF channel 16. The Coast Guard can impose vessel restrictions or close the bar, and its notices give the details of any restriction in force.
For people heading to the beach, Oregon’s separate high surf warnings cover shore hazards. The marine warnings here apply to the main channel at the river entrance.
