Various Wave Danger Alerts on Oregon / Washington Coast: Addressing Alert Misinformation

Published 11/19/25 at 1:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Bandon, Oregon) – A couple of wave alerts have been issued for the Oregon coast and Washington coast, with slightly different hazards. The National Weather Service (NWS) sent out an alert regarding sneaker waves on Washington and Oregon shores, while on the southern end there's a definitive high surf advisory. (Photo Angi D Wildt Gallery - Cape Disappointment could look a bit like this)

In either case, it's a set of warnings that mean you should stay off smaller beaches of all kinds.

It's also a time to address some misunderstandings and outright misinformation about these coastal hazards.

The NWS has issued a High Surf Advisory and Beach Hazards Statement affecting the Oregon and South Washington coasts through the weekend.

Hazardous surf conditions are expected along the South Central Oregon Coast and Curry County Coast from 10 a.m. Thursday to 4 a.m. Friday, with large breaking waves reaching 20 to 24 feet. This includes Bandon, Coos Bay area, Gold Beach, Port Orford, Brookings and Reedsport.

These waves may inundate beaches and low-lying shorelines, which could cause beach erosion and damage exposed structures. Residents and visitors are urged to stay clear of the surf zone and avoid jetties, with area beaches becoming much more dangerous.

In addition, a Beach Hazards Statement is in effect from late Wednesday night through late Sunday night for the North and Central Oregon Coast and the South Washington Coast. This includes Long Beach, Raymond, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Oceanside, Pacific City, Lincoln City, Newport and Florence.

“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.”

Beachgoers, especially those participating in razor clam digs, should remain cautious, avoid logs and jetties, and keep a close watch on incoming waves. Children should be supervised at all times, and all visitors are advised to stay out of the water during this period of elevated risk.

Sneaker Wave Rumors / Misinformation

Responses on social media to these warnings often typify certain dangerous misconceptions and even disinformation. They can add to the confusion and noise. It is time to address and even dispel them as these can lead to dangerous circumstances.

1 – “There is always a danger of sneaker waves any time of year. I wish they would stop these!”

Technically, this is always a possibility – but not an increased danger of sneakers that shoot up faster, higher on the beach and greater in height. This kind of blanket statement (which Oregon Coast Beach Connection sees a lot of on social) waters down the increased danger message quite a bit.

These alerts from NWS should not stop. They mean there is a greatly increased risk for sneaker waves, which is very different from the slight hazards you can get on sunny, calm days. While it's true you should never turn your back on the ocean even on nice days, the alerts from NWS mean you can get hit by a large sneaker wave maybe tens of feet from the tideline – perhaps over 100 feet away.

This translates to many types of beaches simply being not a good idea to wander at all. That's a stark difference from hitting a skinny beach like Gleneden Beach or the strand next to Humbug Mountain and simply having to keep an eye on surf – to perhaps not touching it at all.

Currently, the following statements of misinformation are posted by the public on the NWS Facebook. Here's the quotes and why they're dangerous.

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

2 - “There is no such thing as a time of higher or lower sneaker waves... that's why the saying says "never turn your back on the ocean " “

Again, yes there is a time of much higher sneaker waves – sometimes by more than 100 feet. And these can be deeper and far more dangerous than smaller sneakers which simply get you a little wet. Both kinds can surprise, but some conditions produce much bigger and higher sneakers.

3 - “They are not sneaker waves if you are paying attention.”

Wrong. You can be suddenly inundated by much longer waves that hit hard, no matter how much you're watching. And some you cannot outrun.

Two Very Simple Rules Can Keep You Safer

1 – Do not go on beaches when there are these kinds of alerts. Watch from above.

2 – Definitely do NOT go on smaller beaches with cliffs walls behind you during high wave events or alerts. You need to have an escape route of foredunes – like those at Manzanita, most of Cannon Beach or Horsfall near Coos Bay. Smaller beaches with no quick retreat or cliff walls are just a bad idea.

Rumor #4: These are NOT King Tides.

King tides only happen during king tide events, and they do not mean “king tide waves.” It's about tidal height. King Tides can be dangerous on their own, but doubly so if they coincide with higher wave events like storms. What's the Difference Between King Tides and Oregon / Washington Coast Storm Wave Events?

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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