Alert archive / California / Beach Hazards Statements in 2023

Beach Hazards Statement 2, NWS Eureka, CA

January 22, 2023Del Norte County, Humboldt County, Mendocino County, California

NWS Eureka, CA issued this beach hazards statement at Jan 22, 2023, 6:03 AM PST for Del Norte County, Humboldt County, Mendocino County, California. It took effect at Jan 23, 2023, 4:00 PM PST. It was in force for 26 hr.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Jan 22, 2023, 6:03 AM PST (14:03 UTC)
In effect from
Jan 23, 2023, 4:00 PM PST
Expired
Jan 24, 2023, 6:00 PM PST
In force
26 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 14:03 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, 2.1 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 2023-01-22Temperature 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 2023-01-22The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity -22 square meters per square second.1939587897117Sfc1 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
557 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
92 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
-22 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
283 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

404 
WHUS46 KEKA 221403
CFWEKA

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Eureka CA
603 AM PST Sun Jan 22 2023

...A New Long Period Swell Builds in Monday Afternoon...

Forerunners of this long period westerly swell will arrive Monday
afternoon when the risk for sneaker waves begins. Large sets of
waves will sweep in after long lulls in wave activity. The swell 
will build up to 12 feet at 18 seconds by Tuesday morning. Steep 
beaches will have a higher risk of sneaker wave activity with 
greater wave run- up onto beaches. Large waves will also wash over
jetties and rock outcroppings that may normally stay dry.

Very high tides and large tidal swings are expected. This may
cause localized coastal flooding around Humboldt Bay.

CAZ103-222215-
/O.NEW.KEKA.BH.S.0002.230124T0000Z-230125T0200Z/
/O.CON.KEKA.CF.Y.0004.230122T1800Z-230122T2200Z/
Northern Humboldt Coast-
603 AM PST Sun Jan 22 2023

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS
MORNING TO 2 PM PST THIS AFTERNOON...
...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, High astronomical tides
  will cause minor flooding in low lying areas along the Humboldt
  Coast. Up to one half foot of saltwater inundation above ground
  level is possible in low lying areas near shorelines and tidal
  waterways (Around 8.8 feet MLLW at the North Spit tide gauge). 
  For the Beach Hazards Statement, large unexpected waves along 
  the coast.

* WHERE...Northern Humboldt Coast County.

* WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, from 10 AM this morning 
  to 2 PM PST this afternoon. For the Beach Hazards Statement, 
  from Monday afternoon through Tuesday afternoon.. .

* IMPACTS...Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only 
  isolated road closures expected. Large, unexpected waves can 
  sweep across the beach without warning, sweeping people into 
  the sea from rocks, jetties, and beaches. These waves can also 
  move large objects such as logs, crushing anyone caught 
  underneath.



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.

Don't be fooled by an ocean that looks calm.  There can be
30 minutes of small waves before a sneaker wave strikes.  Avoid
rocks and jetties. Avoid steep beaches.  Stay much farther back
from the water and never turn your back on the ocean.

&&

$$

CAZ101-104-109-222215-
/O.NEW.KEKA.BH.S.0002.230124T0000Z-230125T0200Z/
Coastal Del Norte-Southwestern Humboldt-Mendocino Coast-
603 AM PST Sun Jan 22 2023

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Large unexpected waves along the coast.

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

* WHEN...From Monday afternoon through Tuesday afternoon.. .

* IMPACTS...Large, unexpected waves can sweep across the beach 
  without warning, sweeping people into the sea from rocks, 
  jetties, and beaches. These waves can also move large objects 
  such as logs, crushing anyone caught underneath.



PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Don't be fooled by an ocean that looks calm.  There can be
30 minutes of small waves before a sneaker wave strikes.  Avoid
rocks and jetties. Avoid steep beaches.  Stay much farther back
from the water and never turn your back on the ocean.

&&

$$
8 follow-up statements
893 
WHUS46 KEKA 222158
CFWEKA

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Eureka CA
158 PM PST Sun Jan 22 2023

...A New Long Period Swell Builds in Monday Afternoon...

Forerunners of this long period westerly swell will arrive Monday
afternoon when the risk for sneaker waves begins. Large sets of
waves will sweep in after long lulls in wave activity. The swell
will build up to 12 feet at 18 seconds by Tuesday morning. Steep
beaches will have a higher risk of sneaker wave activity with
greater wave run- up onto beaches. Large waves will also wash
over jetties and rock outcroppings that may normally stay dry.

In addition to the waves...high tides and large tidal swings are 
expected during the late morning hours each day through Tuesday and
may cause localized coastal flooding around Humboldt Bay.

CAZ103-230600-
/O.CAN.KEKA.CF.Y.0004.000000T0000Z-230122T2200Z/
/O.CON.KEKA.BH.S.0002.230124T0000Z-230125T0200Z/
Northern Humboldt Coast-
158 PM PST Sun Jan 22 2023

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY
AFTERNOON THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Large unexpected waves along the coast.

* WHERE...Northern Humboldt Coast County.

* WHEN...From Monday afternoon through Tuesday afternoon.. .

* IMPACTS...Large, unexpected waves can sweep across the beach 
  without warning, sweeping people into the sea from rocks, 
  jetties, and beaches. These waves can also move large objects 
  such as logs, crushing anyone caught underneath.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Don't be fooled by an ocean that looks calm.  There can be
30 minutes of small waves before a sneaker wave strikes.  Avoid
rocks and jetties. Avoid steep beaches.  Stay much farther back
from the water and never turn your back on the ocean.

&&

$$

CAZ101-104-109-230600-
/O.CON.KEKA.BH.S.0002.230124T0000Z-230125T0200Z/
Coastal Del Norte-Southwestern Humboldt-Mendocino Coast-
158 PM PST Sun Jan 22 2023

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY
AFTERNOON THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Large unexpected waves along the coast.

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

* WHEN...From Monday afternoon through Tuesday afternoon.. .

* IMPACTS...Large, unexpected waves can sweep across the beach 
  without warning, sweeping people into the sea from rocks, 
  jetties, and beaches. These waves can also move large objects 
  such as logs, crushing anyone caught underneath.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Don't be fooled by an ocean that looks calm.  There can be
30 minutes of small waves before a sneaker wave strikes.  Avoid
rocks and jetties. Avoid steep beaches.  Stay much farther back
from the water and never turn your back on the ocean.

&&

$$
869 
WHUS46 KEKA 230450
CFWEKA

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Eureka CA
850 PM PST Sun Jan 22 2023

...A New Long Period Swell Builds in Monday Afternoon...

Forerunners of this long period westerly swell will arrive Monday
afternoon when the risk for sneaker waves begins. Large sets of
waves will sweep in after long lulls in wave activity. The swell
will build up to 12 feet at 18 seconds by Tuesday morning. Steep
beaches will have a higher risk of sneaker wave activity with
greater wave run- up onto beaches. Large waves will also wash
over jetties and rock outcroppings that may normally stay dry.

In addition to the waves...high tides and large tidal swings are
expected during the late morning hours each day through Tuesday
and may cause localized coastal flooding around Humboldt Bay.

CAZ101-103-104-109-231300-
/O.CON.KEKA.BH.S.0002.230124T0000Z-230125T0200Z/
Coastal Del Norte-Northern Humboldt Coast-Southwestern Humboldt-
Mendocino Coast-
850 PM PST Sun Jan 22 2023

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY
AFTERNOON THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Periods of unexpected larger waves along the coast.

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

* WHEN...From Monday afternoon through Tuesday afternoon.. .

* IMPACTS...Large, unexpected waves can sweep across the beach 
  without warning, sweeping people into the sea from rocks, 
  jetties, and beaches. These waves can also move large objects 
  such as logs, crushing anyone caught underneath.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Don't be fooled by an ocean that looks calm.  There can be
30 minutes of small waves before a sneaker wave strikes.  Avoid
rocks and jetties. Avoid steep beaches.  Stay much farther back
from the water and never turn your back on the ocean.

&&

$$
949 
WHUS46 KEKA 231058
CFWEKA

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Eureka CA
258 AM PST Mon Jan 23 2023

...A New Long Period Swell Builds in Monday Afternoon...

Forerunners of this long period westerly swell will arrive this
afternoon when the risk for sneaker waves begins. Large sets of 
waves will sweep in after long lulls in wave activity. The swell 
will build up to 12 feet at 18 seconds by Tuesday morning. Steep 
beaches will have a higher risk of sneaker wave activity with 
greater wave run- up onto beaches. Large waves will also wash over
jetties and rock outcroppings that may normally stay dry.

In addition to the waves...high tides and large tidal swings are
expected during the late morning hours each day through Tuesday
and may cause localized coastal flooding around Humboldt Bay.

CAZ101-103-104-109-231900-
/O.CON.KEKA.BH.S.0002.230124T0000Z-230125T0200Z/
Coastal Del Norte-Northern Humboldt Coast-Southwestern Humboldt-
Mendocino Coast-
258 AM PST Mon Jan 23 2023

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THIS AFTERNOON
THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Periods of unexpected larger waves along the coast.

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

* WHEN...From this afternoon through Tuesday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Large, unexpected waves can sweep across the beach 
  without warning, sweeping people into the sea from rocks, 
  jetties, and beaches. These waves can also move large objects 
  such as logs, crushing anyone caught underneath.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Don't be fooled by an ocean that looks calm.  There can be
30 minutes of small waves before a sneaker wave strikes.  Avoid
rocks and jetties. Avoid steep beaches.  Stay much farther back
from the water and never turn your back on the ocean.

&&

$$
200 
WHUS46 KEKA 232150
CFWEKA

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Eureka CA
150 PM PST Mon Jan 23 2023

...A New Long Period Swell Builds in Monday Afternoon...

Forerunners of this long period westerly swell will arrive this
afternoon when the risk for sneaker waves begins. Large sets of
waves will sweep in after long lulls in wave activity. The swell
will build up to 12 feet at 18 seconds by Tuesday morning. Steep
beaches will have a higher risk of sneaker wave activity with
greater wave run- up onto beaches. Large waves will also wash
over jetties and rock outcroppings that may normally stay dry.

In addition to the waves...high tides and large tidal swings are
expected during the late morning hours each day through Tuesday
and may cause localized coastal flooding around Humboldt Bay.

CAZ101-103-104-109-240600-
/O.CON.KEKA.BH.S.0002.230124T0000Z-230125T0200Z/
Coastal Del Norte-Northern Humboldt Coast-Southwestern Humboldt-
Mendocino Coast-
150 PM PST Mon Jan 23 2023

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

* WHAT...Periods of unexpected larger waves along the coast.

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

* WHEN...From this afternoon through Tuesday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Large, unexpected waves can sweep across the beach 
  without warning, sweeping people into the sea from rocks, 
  jetties, and beaches. These waves can also move large objects 
  such as logs, crushing anyone caught underneath.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Don't be fooled by an ocean that looks calm.  There can be
30 minutes of small waves before a sneaker wave strikes.  Avoid
rocks and jetties. Avoid steep beaches.  Stay much farther back
from the water and never turn your back on the ocean.

&&

$$
544 
WHUS46 KEKA 240555
CFWEKA

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Eureka CA
955 PM PST Mon Jan 23 2023

...A New Long Period Swell Continues to Build in Tuesday...

Forerunners of this long period westerly swell continue to 
arrive this evening and the risk for sneaker waves begins. Large 
sets of waves will sweep in after long lulls in wave activity. The
swell will build up to 12 feet at 18 seconds by Tuesday morning. 

CAZ101-103-104-109-241400-
/O.CON.KEKA.BH.S.0002.000000T0000Z-230125T0200Z/
Coastal Del Norte-Northern Humboldt Coast-Southwestern Humboldt-
Mendocino Coast-
955 PM PST Mon Jan 23 2023

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

* WHAT...Large unexpected waves along the coast.

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

* WHEN...Through Tuesday afternoon.. .

* IMPACTS...Large, unexpected waves can sweep across the beach 
  without warning, sweeping people into the sea from rocks, 
  jetties, and beaches. These waves can also move large objects 
  such as logs, crushing anyone caught underneath.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Don't be fooled by an ocean that looks calm.  There can be
30 minutes of small waves before a sneaker wave strikes.  Avoid
rocks and jetties. Avoid steep beaches.  Stay much farther back
from the water and never turn your back on the ocean.

&&

$$
789 
WHUS46 KEKA 241235
CFWEKA

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Eureka CA
435 AM PST Tue Jan 24 2023

...A New Long Period Swell Continues to Build in Tuesday...

Forerunners of this long period westerly swell continue to arrive
this evening and the risk for sneaker waves begins. Large sets of
waves will sweep in after long lulls in wave activity. The swell
will build up to 12 feet at 18 seconds by Tuesday morning.

CAZ101-103-104-109-242045-
/O.CON.KEKA.BH.S.0002.000000T0000Z-230125T0200Z/
Coastal Del Norte-Northern Humboldt Coast-Southwestern Humboldt-
Mendocino Coast-
435 AM PST Tue Jan 24 2023

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE THIS
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Large unexpected waves along the coast.

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

* WHEN...Through late this afternoon.. .

* IMPACTS...Large, unexpected waves can sweep across the beach 
  without warning, sweeping people into the sea from rocks, 
  jetties, and beaches. These waves can also move large objects 
  such as logs, crushing anyone caught underneath.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Don't be fooled by an ocean that looks calm.  There can be
30 minutes of small waves before a sneaker wave strikes.  Avoid
rocks and jetties. Avoid steep beaches.  Stay much farther back
from the water and never turn your back on the ocean.

&&

$$
382 
WHUS46 KEKA 242032
CFWEKA

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Eureka CA
1232 PM PST Tue Jan 24 2023

...A New Long Period Swell Continues to Build in Tuesday...

Forerunners of this long period westerly swell continue to arrive
this evening and the risk for sneaker waves begins. Large sets of
waves will sweep in after long lulls in wave activity. The swell
will build up to 12 feet at 18 seconds by Tuesday morning.

CAZ101-103-104-109-250200-
/O.CON.KEKA.BH.S.0002.000000T0000Z-230125T0200Z/
Coastal Del Norte-Northern Humboldt Coast-Southwestern Humboldt-
Mendocino Coast-
1232 PM PST Tue Jan 24 2023

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS 
EVENING...

* WHAT...Large unexpected waves along the coast.

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

* WHEN...Through this evening.. .

* IMPACTS...Large, unexpected waves can sweep across the beach 
  without warning, sweeping people into the sea from rocks, 
  jetties, and beaches. These waves can also move large objects 
  such as logs, crushing anyone caught underneath.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Don't be fooled by an ocean that looks calm.  There can be
30 minutes of small waves before a sneaker wave strikes.  Avoid
rocks and jetties. Avoid steep beaches.  Stay much farther back
from the water and never turn your back on the ocean.

&&

$$
824 
WHUS46 KEKA 250155
CFWEKA

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Eureka CA
555 PM PST Tue Jan 24 2023

CAZ101-103-104-109-250300-
/O.EXP.KEKA.BH.S.0002.000000T0000Z-230125T0200Z/
Coastal Del Norte-Northern Humboldt Coast-Southwestern Humboldt-
Mendocino Coast-
555 PM PST Tue Jan 24 2023

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT WILL EXPIRE AT 6 PM PST THIS EVENING...

$$

The office that day

Everything else NWS Eureka, CA issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jan 22, 3:05 AM PSTGale WarningEKA42 hr

Nearby

Beach Hazards Statements in California, 2023Every beach hazards statement in 2023

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.