High Surf in Washington

Events

10

Deaths

4

Injuries

0

Damage

$5.0 million

• High Surf in Washington, February 12, 19973 deaths · 1 eventThree Coast Guard crew men were killed when their boat overturned in rough seas. They were on a search and rescue mission off the Quillayute River Bar when their boat capsized throwing all four of the crew overboard. One survived.
• High Surf in Washington, January 10 to 12, 20211 death · 1 eventA weak weather system (followed quickly by several stronger systems) brought dangerous beach conditions and high surf to the Coast on from January 10-12. These dangerous beach conditions claimed the life of a woman on January 10.
• High Surf in Washington, November 15, 2020$5.0 million · 1 eventA storm system over the northeast Pacific generated large waves that moved to the Oregon and Washington coasts.
• High Surf in Washington, March 9 to 10, 2016$15,000 · 1 eventA deep low pressure system generated large surf along the beaches of south Washington resulting in minor damage to the Willapa and Illwaco Ports.
• Winter Storm and Coastal Flood in Washington, January 2 to 3, 202260 kt wind · 7 eventsThe first of two strong Pacific fronts brought high winds to the coast as well as gusty winds to the Willamette Valley and interior lowlands of southwest Washington.
• Storm Surge and High Surf in Washington, January 2, 20032 eventsThe new year started with a very potent Pacific storm that churned up huge seas along the South Washington Coast. Buoys just off shore reported heaviest seas in the mid to upper 20 foot range.
• Coastal Flood and High Surf in Washington, December 13 to 16, 20202 eventsA very active storm system in the north Pacific generated large swell directed at the Washington and Oregon coasts that lasted for several days. Additionally a combination of high surf and high astronomical tides contributed to tidal overflow.
• High Surf in Washington, December 7 to 8, 20201 eventLarge swell generated from storms in the northeast Pacific reached the Washington and Oregon coasts bringing high surf conditions.
• High Surf in Washington, November 25, 20201 eventA storm system over the northeast Pacific generated large waves that moved to the Oregon and Washington coasts.
• High Surf in Washington, February 25 to 26, 20211 eventA persistent fetch over the northeast Pacific Ocean generated large swell that reached the coast.

High Surf everywhereEvery kind of event in Washington

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24.