What is happening
* WHAT...Rough bar conditions expected. For the first Small Craft Advisory, seas 5 to 7 feet at 10 to 12 seconds and south winds 20 to 25 kt. For the second Small Craft Advisory, seas 8 to 10 ft at 10 to 12 seconds. For the Gale Watch, seas 10 to 12 ft at 15 seconds building to 13 to 15 ft at 14 seconds and south winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 40 kt possible. * WHERE...In the Main Channel of the Columbia River Bar. * WHEN...Small Craft Advisory, until 10 PM PST this evening. Small Craft Advisory, from 7 AM to 10 PM PST Thursday. Gale Watch, from Thursday evening through Friday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Strong winds can cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Ebb current of 3.96 kt at 108 AM Thursday. Seas 7 to 8 ft. Ebb current of 5.0 kt at 144 PM Thursday. Seas 10 ft. Ebb current of 3.9 kt at 201 AM Friday. Seas 10 ft.
Official instructions
A Gale Watch is issued when the risk of gale force winds of 34 to 47 knots has significantly increased, but the specific timing and/or location is still uncertain. It is intended to provide additional lead time for mariners who may wish to consider altering their plans.
