Alert archive / California / Beach Hazards Statements in 2019

Beach Hazards Statement 11, NWS Eureka, CA

December 25, 2019Del Norte County, Humboldt County, Mendocino County, California

NWS Eureka, CA issued this beach hazards statement at Dec 25, 2019, 5:08 AM PST for Del Norte County, Humboldt County, Mendocino County, California. It was in force for 34 hr.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Dec 25, 2019, 5:08 AM PST (13:08 UTC)
Expired
Dec 26, 2019, 3:00 PM PST
In force
34 hr
Issued by
NWS Eureka, CA

Counties Del Norte County, CA, Humboldt County, CA, Mendocino County, CA

The radar

The Eureka (Bunker Hill) radar (KBHX), 47 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 13:11 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Medford/Jackson, OR (KMFR), launched 12:00Z, 1.1 hours before the alert went out and 210 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Medford/Jackson, OR at 12:00Z on 2019-12-25Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Medford/Jackson, OR at 12:00Z on 2019-12-25The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 94 square meters per square second.193958Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
563 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
29 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
94 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
86 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

869 
WHUS46 KEKA 251308
CFWEKA

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Eureka CA
508 AM PST Wed Dec 25 2019

CAZ103-252115-
/O.NEW.KEKA.BH.S.0011.191225T1308Z-191226T2300Z/
/O.CON.KEKA.CF.Y.0016.191225T1700Z-191225T2000Z/
Northern Humboldt Coast-
508 AM PST Wed Dec 25 2019

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY AFTERNOON...
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS
MORNING TO NOON PST TODAY...

* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, High tides will likely
  cause minor flooding in low lying areas around the Humboldt Bay
  area. Up to one half foot of saltwater inundation above ground
  level is possible in low lying areas near shorelines and tidal
  waterways (Between 8.8 and 9.1 feet MLLW at the North Spit tide
  gauge). For the Beach Hazards Statement, a long period 
  northwesterly swell will bring large breaking waves and the 
  threat of sneaker waves to area beaches today and Thursday. 
  Breaking waves between 18 and 21 feet are expected.

* WHERE...King Salmon and Jackson Ranch Road in the Arcata Bottoms
  for coastal flooding. Sneaker waves and large breaking waves
  will be possible on nearly all local beaches. 

* WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, from 9 AM this morning 
  to noon PST today. For the Beach Hazards Statement, through 
  Thursday afternoon.. .

* IMPACTS...Flooding of lots and roads with only isolated road
  closures expected. Large breaking waves and an enhanced threat
  of sneaker waves will generate hazardous conditions on area
  beaches. This threat will be maximized on steeply sloped
  beaches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Coastal Flood Advisory indicates that onshore winds and tides
will combine to generate flooding of low areas along the shore.

Feet Above Ground is locally defined as feet above the Highest
Astronomical Tide or HAT.

Sneaker waves are waves that wash unexpectedly far onto the 
beach, often after extended periods of much smaller waves. This 
can create an extremely hazardous situation due to the cold, 
turbulent wintertime seas. As a result, beachgoers should use 
extreme caution, keep a safe distance from the surf zone, and 
always pay attention to the ocean. 

&&

$$

CAZ101-104-109-252115-
/O.NEW.KEKA.BH.S.0011.191225T1308Z-191226T2300Z/
Coastal Del Norte-Southwestern Humboldt-Mendocino Coast-
508 AM PST Wed Dec 25 2019

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...A long period northwesterly swell will bring large
  breaking waves and the threat of sneaker waves to area beaches
  today and Thursday. Breaking waves between 18 and 21 feet are
  expected. 

* WHERE...Coastal Del Norte, Southwestern Humboldt and Mendocino 
  Coast Counties.

* WHEN...Through Thursday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Large breaking waves and an enhanced threat of sneaker
  waves will generate hazardous conditions on area beaches. This
  threat will be maximized on steeply sloped beaches. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Sneaker waves are waves that wash unexpectedly far onto the 
beach, often after extended periods of much smaller waves. This 
can create an extremely hazardous situation due to the cold, 
turbulent wintertime seas. As a result, beachgoers should use 
extreme caution, keep a safe distance from the surf zone, and 
always pay attention to the ocean. 

&&

$$
7 follow-up statements
784 
WHUS46 KEKA 251953
CFWEKA

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Eureka CA
1153 AM PST Wed Dec 25 2019

CAZ103-260400-
/O.EXP.KEKA.CF.Y.0016.000000T0000Z-191225T2000Z/
/O.CON.KEKA.BH.S.0011.000000T0000Z-191226T2300Z/
Northern Humboldt Coast-
1153 AM PST Wed Dec 25 2019

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY
AFTERNOON...
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT NOON PST TODAY...

* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, High tides will likely
  cause minor flooding in low lying areas around the Humboldt Bay
  area. Up to one half foot of saltwater inundation above ground
  level is possible in low lying areas near shorelines and tidal
  waterways (Between 8.8 and 9.1 feet MLLW at the North Spit tide
  gauge). For the Beach Hazards Statement, a long period 
  northwesterly swell will bring large breaking waves and the 
  threat of sneaker waves to area beaches today and Thursday. 
  Breaking waves between 18 and 21 feet are expected.

* WHERE...King Salmon and Jackson Ranch Road in the Arcata 
  Bottoms for coastal flooding. Sneaker waves and large breaking 
  waves will be possible on nearly all local beaches.

* WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, from 9 AM this morning 
  to noon PST today. For the Beach Hazards Statement, through 
  Thursday afternoon.. .

* IMPACTS...Flooding of lots and roads with only isolated road
  closures expected. Large breaking waves and an enhanced threat
  of sneaker waves will generate hazardous conditions on area
  beaches. This threat will be maximized on steeply sloped
  beaches.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$

CAZ101-104-109-260400-
/O.CON.KEKA.BH.S.0011.000000T0000Z-191226T2300Z/
Coastal Del Norte-Southwestern Humboldt-Mendocino Coast-
1153 AM PST Wed Dec 25 2019

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...A long period northwesterly swell will bring large 
  breaking waves and the threat of sneaker waves to area beaches 
  today and Thursday. Breaking waves between 18 and 21 feet are 
  expected.

* WHERE...Coastal Del Norte, Southwestern Humboldt and Mendocino 
  Coast Counties.

* WHEN...Through Thursday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Large breaking waves and an enhanced threat of 
  sneaker waves will generate hazardous conditions on area 
  beaches. This threat will be maximized on steeply sloped 
  beaches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$
132 
WHUS46 KEKA 251954
CFWEKA

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Eureka CA
1154 AM PST Wed Dec 25 2019

CAZ101-103-104-109-260400-
/O.CON.KEKA.BH.S.0011.000000T0000Z-191226T2300Z/
Coastal Del Norte-Northern Humboldt Coast-Southwestern Humboldt-
Mendocino Coast-
1154 AM PST Wed Dec 25 2019

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...A long period northwesterly swell will bring large 
  breaking waves and the threat of sneaker waves to area beaches 
  today and Thursday. Breaking waves between 18 and 21 feet are 
  expected.

* WHERE...Coastal Del Norte, Southwestern Humboldt and Mendocino 
  Coast Counties.

* WHEN...Through Thursday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Large breaking waves and an enhanced threat of 
  sneaker waves will generate hazardous conditions on area 
  beaches. This threat will be maximized on steeply sloped 
  beaches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$
646 
WHUS46 KEKA 260348
CFWEKA

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Eureka CA
748 PM PST Wed Dec 25 2019

CAZ101-103-104-109-261200-
/O.CON.KEKA.BH.S.0011.000000T0000Z-191226T2300Z/
Coastal Del Norte-Northern Humboldt Coast-Southwestern Humboldt-
Mendocino Coast-
748 PM PST Wed Dec 25 2019

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...A long period northwesterly swell will bring a threat for
  large breaking waves to area beaches through Thursday. Breaking
  waves between 17 and 21 feet are possible.

* WHERE...Coastal Del Norte, Southwestern Humboldt and Mendocino 
  Coast Counties.

* WHEN...Through Thursday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Large breaking waves will generate hazardous 
  conditions on area beaches. This threat will be maximized on 
  steeply sloped beaches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$
752 
WHUS46 KEKA 261149
CFWEKA

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Eureka CA
349 AM PST Thu Dec 26 2019

CAZ101-103-104-109-262000-
/O.CON.KEKA.BH.S.0011.000000T0000Z-191226T2300Z/
Coastal Del Norte-Northern Humboldt Coast-Southwestern Humboldt-
Mendocino Coast-
349 AM PST Thu Dec 26 2019

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM PST THIS
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...A long period northwesterly swell will bring a threat 
  for large breaking waves to area beaches through Thursday. 
  Breaking waves between 17 and 21 feet are possible.

* WHERE...Coastal Del Norte, Southwestern Humboldt and Mendocino 
  Coast Counties.

* WHEN...Through Thursday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Large breaking waves will generate hazardous 
  conditions on area beaches. This threat will be maximized on 
  steeply sloped beaches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$
195 
WHUS46 KEKA 261438
CFWEKA

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Eureka CA
638 AM PST Thu Dec 26 2019

CAZ103-262245-
/O.NEW.KEKA.CF.Y.0017.191226T1800Z-191226T2100Z/
/O.CON.KEKA.BH.S.0011.000000T0000Z-191226T2300Z/
Northern Humboldt Coast-
638 AM PST Thu Dec 26 2019

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM PST THIS
AFTERNOON...
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO
1 PM PST THIS AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, High tides will likely
  cause minor flooding in low lying areas around Humboldt Bay. Up
  to one half foot of saltwater inundation above ground level is
  possible in low lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways
  (Between 8.8 and 9.1 feet MLLW at the North Spit tide gauge).
  For the Beach Hazards Statement, a long period northwesterly
  swell will bring large breaking waves and the threat of sneaker
  waves to area beaches today. Breaking waves between 17 and 21 
  feet are expected.

* WHERE...King Salmon and Jackson Ranch Road in the Arcata 
  Bottoms for coastal flooding. Sneaker waves and large breaking 
  waves will be possible on nearly all local beaches.

* WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, from 10 AM this morning
  to 1 PM PST this afternoon. High Tide occurs at 11:05 AM PST. For
  the Beach Hazards Statement, until 3 PM PST this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Flooding of lots and roads with only isolated road
  closures expected. Large breaking waves and an enhanced threat
  of sneaker waves will generate hazardous conditions on area
  beaches. This threat will be maximized on steeply sloped
  beaches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Coastal Flood Advisory indicates that onshore winds and tides
will combine to generate flooding of low areas along the shore.

Feet Above Ground is locally defined as feet above the Highest
Astronomical Tide or HAT.

Sneaker waves are waves that wash unexpectedly far onto the 
beach, often after extended periods of much smaller waves. This 
can create an extremely hazardous situation due to the cold, 
turbulent wintertime seas. As a result, beachgoers should use 
extreme caution, keep a safe distance from the surf zone, and 
always pay attention to the ocean.

&&

$$

CAZ101-104-109-262245-
/O.CON.KEKA.BH.S.0011.000000T0000Z-191226T2300Z/
Coastal Del Norte-Southwestern Humboldt-Mendocino Coast-
638 AM PST Thu Dec 26 2019

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM PST THIS
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...A long period northwesterly swell will bring large
  breaking waves and the threat of sneaker waves to area beaches
  today. Breaking waves between 18 and 21 feet are expected. 

* WHERE...Coastal Del Norte, Southwestern Humboldt and Mendocino 
  Coast Counties.

* WHEN...Through Thursday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Large breaking waves will generate hazardous 
  conditions on area beaches. This threat will be maximized on 
  steeply sloped beaches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Sneaker waves are waves that wash unexpectedly far onto the 
beach, often after extended periods of much smaller waves. This 
can create an extremely hazardous situation due to the cold, 
turbulent wintertime seas. As a result, beachgoers should use 
extreme caution, keep a safe distance from the surf zone, and 
always pay attention to the ocean.

&&

$$
482 
WHUS46 KEKA 262058
CFWEKA

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Eureka CA
1258 PM PST Thu Dec 26 2019

CAZ103-262300-
/O.EXP.KEKA.CF.Y.0017.000000T0000Z-191226T2100Z/
/O.CON.KEKA.BH.S.0011.000000T0000Z-191226T2300Z/
Northern Humboldt Coast-
1258 PM PST Thu Dec 26 2019

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM PST THIS
AFTERNOON...
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT 1 PM PST THIS
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...A long period northwesterly swell will bring large 
  breaking waves and the threat of sneaker waves to area beaches 
  today. Breaking waves between 18 and 21 feet are expected. 

* WHERE...Coastal Del Norte, Mendocino Coast and Southwestern 
  Humboldt Counties.

* WHEN...Until 3 PM PST this afternoon.. .

* IMPACTS...Large breaking waves will generate hazardous 
  conditions on area beaches. This threat will be maximized on 
  steeply sloped beaches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$

CAZ101-104-109-262300-
/O.CON.KEKA.BH.S.0011.000000T0000Z-191226T2300Z/
Coastal Del Norte-Southwestern Humboldt-Mendocino Coast-
1258 PM PST Thu Dec 26 2019

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM PST THIS
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...A long period northwesterly swell will bring large
  breaking waves and the threat of sneaker waves to area beaches
  today. Breaking waves between 18 and 21 feet are expected. 

* WHERE...Coastal Del Norte, Mendocino Coast and Southwestern 
  Humboldt Counties.

* WHEN...Until 3 PM PST this afternoon.. .

* IMPACTS...Large breaking waves will generate hazardous 
  conditions on area beaches. This threat will be maximized on 
  steeply sloped beaches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$
117 
WHUS46 KEKA 262252
CFWEKA

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Eureka CA
252 PM PST Thu Dec 26 2019

CAZ101-103-104-109-270000-
/O.EXP.KEKA.BH.S.0011.000000T0000Z-191226T2300Z/
Coastal Del Norte-Northern Humboldt Coast-Southwestern Humboldt-
Mendocino Coast-
252 PM PST Thu Dec 26 2019

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT WILL EXPIRE AT 3 PM PST THIS
AFTERNOON...

The threat for sneaker waves has diminished.

$$

Nearby

Beach Hazards Statements in California, 2019Every beach hazards statement in 2019

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.