Sneaker Waves Along South Oregon Coast Through Monday, Some Up North

Published 11/01/2026 at 8:58 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Coos Bay, Oregon) - An eventful early week is in store for the shorelines of Oregon and Washington, with Oregon's south coast under notice of a sizable risk of sneaker waves, but some up north as well.

The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Medford has issued a Beach Hazards Statement from Sunday evening through Monday evening for the beaches of Douglas, Coos, and Curry counties. Forecasters are warning of a high risk of dangerous sneaker waves on the south Oregon coast.

There is no statement for the northern half of the coast – along with Washington's southern coast. However, the NWS office in Portland has said in its “discussion” area that there is a higher chance of sneaker waves in that area, but for slightly different days of Monday and Tuesday.

South Coast

“A building west-northwest long period swell is expected to combine with lower, shorter period northwest and south-southwest swells,” the NWS said.

These conditions can produce powerful sneaker waves that surge much farther up the beach than expected. The longer the period timing between swells, the more waves can pile up into one more powerful wave that shoots up the beach more quickly.

The NWS warns that sneaker waves can suddenly sweep across sand, rocks, and jetties, knocking people off their feet and pulling them into the ocean. The waves can also shift large logs and debris, creating additional hazards for anyone nearby.

Beachgoers are urged to stay well back from the water's edge, avoid climbing on rocks and jetties, and remain out of the ocean until conditions improve.

The hazardous conditions are expected to continue through Monday evening.

Pacific Northwest Weather | Oregon, Washington, Coastline (see NW from space) |---| Washington Coast Weather |---| Oregon Coast Weather |---| Inland Oregon Weather

The NWS said they expect swells building from 2 ft at 21 seconds Sunday afternoon to around 8 to 10 ft at 17 seconds around Monday afternoon. 21 seconds is an enormous number for swells close to shore.

“This will result in steep combined seas of over 10 feet on Monday,” the NWS said.

Seas in the area briefly taper off, then get a bit wild again on Thursday and remain active for a week.

North Coast

On the northern half of the coast, seas have fallen to around 3 to 4 ft Sunday morning, the NWS said, but an incoming long period west-northwest swell is expected to build seas, beginning later this afternoon, to around 8 to 10 ft at 15-18 seconds Monday morning.

“This long period swell will result in a moderate threat for sneaker waves at the coast Sunday evening through Tuesday,” the Portland office said. “Caution should be used at beaches when in or near the water.”

A stronger system seems to be en route towards the Northwest, and next week it could get rather dicey. There's a 30-50% chance for seas exceeding 15 ft by Friday of next week, the NWS said.

If those kinds of swell numbers hold out for the south coast next week (and there is as yet no word on that), it could mean a bit of a show at Shore Acres State Park near Coos Bay.

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