Sneaker Wave Alerts on Oregon / Washington Coast - Sunken Ship Debris Alerts for Washington

Published 11/29/25 at 5:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Rockaway Beach, Oregon) – Two slightly different beach hazards statements are lighting up the weather alert sources along the Oregon and Washington coast, with plenty of dangerous sneaker waves a good possibility in the region. The National Weather Service (NWS) has various alerts from Brookings into at least Westport, happening at various times from today (Saturday) through Wednesday.

In the meantime, the Washington coast is seeing a number of shipwreck debris incidents, and Washington State Parks (WSP) is asking for the public's help and cooperation.

“Dangerous sneaker waves are possible Monday into Tuesday next week along the southern Oregon coast,” the NWS said.

For the southern Oregon coast, including beaches in Douglas, Coos, and Curry Counties, the statement remains in effect from Monday morning through Tuesday afternoon.

A second statement covers the north and central Oregon coast as well as the south Washington coast. That alert is in effect from Tuesday morning through Wednesday evening, with a greater possibility of sneaker waves charging up beaches.

These are not normal, average, everyday sneaker waves that can happen at any time: these are far more dangerous and larger, including a much higher chance they'll charge up much deeper into any beach in the Northwest. They're also stronger than usual and can pick up more debris.

US Coast Guard: rescuing crew from the Abby C. aboard the Lady Nancy. See the NPR story

“Sneaker waves are waves that run up on beaches significantly farther than other waves and can surprise beachgoers,” the NWS said. “They can be knocked down and pulled into the ocean by these waves resulting in injury or drowning. Sneaker waves are very powerful and can move logs and other debris, potentially crushing or trapping unsuspecting people.”

The agency said that a Beach Hazards Statement is issued when sneaker waves create potentially life-threatening conditions in the surf zone.

Those participating in razor clam digs should also exercise extra caution.

“If you see someone swept into the ocean, do not swim in after them! Call 911 and keep an eye on them until help arrives,” the NWS said.

Sunday, offshore wave predictions start to really kick into higher gear with the period between swells at around 12 seconds, then a whopping 22 seconds by Monday. Timing between swells is what can seriously cause sneaker waves to build, with the longer the timing the more chances waves will combine into one very energetic run up the shoreline.

Along much of the Washington coast, bits and pieces of a recent shipwreck have been coming up. This is apparently – though not completely confirmed – parts of the Abby C., which sank offshore from Grays Harbor last week. It was also the scene of a very dramatic rescue by the crab vessel Lady Nancy.

Chunks of curious objects have been showing up on social media groups along the Washington coast, and WSD said to expect more.

“Over the weekend, you may see debris from a sunken vessel washing up on the shore,” WSD said. “Our rangers are aware of the situation and are working to remove the debris as quickly as possible. Please do not climb on or let kids and pets play around the debris. If you see our staff hauling debris, please give them a wide berth.”

To report debris on the beach north of Aberdeen, call Ocean City State Park. South of Aberdeen, call Grayland Beach. On the Long Beach Peninsula, call Cape Disappointment. You can find the parks' contact info on their website: parks.wa.gov/find-parks.

For full weather forecasts as well as wave forecasts for each area:

Washington Coast Weather

Astoria / Warrenton Weather
Seaside Weather
Cannon Beach
Manzanita Weather / Waves
Nehalem Bay / Wheeler
Rockaway Beach Waves, Weather
Oceanside/Tillamook
Pacific City Weather, Waves
Lincoln City Waves, Weather
Depoe Bay Weather
Newport Waves, Weather
Yachats
Florence
Coos Bay - North Bend - Charleston
Bandon Weather
Port Orford Weather
Gold Beach Weather
Brookings Weather

 

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