Increased Chance of Bigger Sneaker Waves This Weekend: Alerts for Oregon / Washington Coast

Published 04/04/25 at 8:25 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Manzanita, Oregon) – A beach hazards statement has been issued for just about the entire length of the Oregon coast and parts of the south Washington coast for this weekend, with the National Weather Service (NWS) saying there is an increased chance of sneaker waves on beaches from Long Beach down through Brookings – and even into northern California.

While not an advisory or a warning yet, there are still increased dangers on the beaches, said the NWS.

From Florence up through Ocean Shores, the increased possibilities of sneaker waves is from Saturday through Monday morning. On the southern Oregon coast, the beach hazards statement is in effect from Saturday through Sunday afternoon, but it carries a slightly stronger wording of a “moderate” chance of sneaker waves. That area from Reedsport southward carries a bigger punch, especially so south of Port Orford.

The north Oregon coast hazards statement includes Long Beach, Seaside, Manzanita, Pacific City, Newport, Lincoln City and Florence.

SEE - Washington Coast Weather - Oregon Coast Weather  - Inland Oregon Weather

“Waves can run up significantly farther on a beach than normal, including over rocks and jetties,” the NWS said. “Sneaker waves can suddenly knock people off of their feet and quickly pull them into the frigid ocean which may lead to serious injury or drowning.”

In essence, be extra careful while cavorting around the sands of the Washington coast and Oregon coast, especially since the weather will be fantastic on Saturday. It may be a good idea to keep out of smaller beaches with no quick exit (such as Oceanside, Gleneden Beach, areas between Gold Beach and Brookings, or Waikiki Beach in Washington).

Areas with lots of large logs like at Lincoln City's Taft, northern Rockaway Beach or below Cape Disappointment will be a bad idea, as the ocean can easily pick up a log and pin you down.

Why is there a sneaker wave alert?

The NWS is noting an extremely long period between swells, which is what can cause swells to pile up on each other and then put much more force into the energy of those breakers. That causes them to charge up the beach faster, harder and more unexpectedly.

It begins out at sea.

Above: Winchester Bay's Ziolkuski Beach - Manuela Durson - Manuela Durson Fine Arts

“A fresh westerly swell will also push into the waters during this time and will result in building seas,” the NWS said. “By late Saturday/early Sunday expect 6 to 8 ft at 10 seconds and 11 to 13 ft at 17 seconds by Sunday afternoon. Elevated winds and seas will persist through the middle of next week as a series of weak systems will result in an active pattern.”

The breakers themselves are not that large: only 6 to 13 feet. It's that “17 seconds” figure that you need to worry about.

Oregon Coast Hotels for this event - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours

MORE PHOTOS BELOW

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast.

LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright © Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted