High Surf Advisory for Oregon Coast Saturday: Whopper Waves Coming

Published 02/22/2013

(Oregon Coast) - As the mountains and higher elevations of Oregon get ready for an onslaught of snow, this same storm system is creating a high surf advisory for the Oregon coast, including Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Rockaway Beach, Oceanside, Pacific City, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Yachats, Newport, Florence and more. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Portland is warning of powerful surf along the coastline Friday night and Saturday. (Above: near Depoe Bay)

The high surf advisory is in effect through 6 p.m. on Saturday.

“A strong low pressure over the Gulf of Alaska is generating large swells, which are headed for the British Columbia, Washington and Oregon coastlines,” the NWS said. “Seas will begin to rise today with the passage of a strong cold front and steep, wind-driven seas.”

The NWS said larger waves of longer periods will create more energetic swells, and these will have a big impact on the surf zone.

Chaotic high surf will pose a threat to beachgoers tonight and Saturday before dissipating later on Saturday.

Expect powerful west to northwest swells of 20 to 25 feet, with a period of 15 to 16 seconds.

“Anyone near the surf zone will be prone to being swept away by erratic and unpredictable sneaker waves that can be much larger than the general seas,” the NWS said.

Hug Point in a storm, near Cannon Beach

The NWS urged visitors to not go near rocky areas (such as around Yachats, Oceanside, parts of Depoe Bay and many of the smaller beaches near Cannon Beach).

“Doing so will be taking your life into your own hands,” the NWS said. “If you wish to observe the waves, do so at a safe distance from the surf zone. Debris such as logs in the surf zone can be rolled and even tossed onshore without warning. Unpredictable sneaker waves and rip currents can easily catch beachgoers off guard and sweep them away into the cold waters of the Pacific.”

Rock Your World Pacific NW Gem and Art Gallery in Lincoln City specializes in agates and agate hunting advice. They have been issuing public warnings that this is a good time to not go agate hunting on the beaches.

After the storms, however, will be an excellent time for beachcombing – which will mean Sunday.

More about sights after storms.

A Whale Burp - an oddity you might see after a storm.

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