West Coast Weather Questions

[Mac]

Hi All,I'm fairly new at this so please bare with me. I've been watching the weather pretty close to try and make a run down to Santa Cruz from San Francisco via Half Moon Bay. I have noticed that there is different reports coming from Channel 1 on the VHF compared to what I see on the NOAA Bouy Data and Forecast on the internet at this link: http://facs.scripps.edu/surf/nocal.html (Once your there, you can click on a bouy to get the data and the forecast).Which one of these sources is more accurate? Does anyone have a better source? I think today's actual data (Saturday Feb 15th 2003)looks good, the SF bouy is showing wind from the SE at 15 kts with wave ht at 5.2 ft. I would have decided to go given that information. But I based my decision not to go on the forecast which shows small craft advisories, 20-30 Kt winds from the the South with swells building from 5 to 7 ft to 9-13 ft through Monday. Which I don't think looks good. I'm not sure what weather info to base my trip decision on, any suggestions?A side question... Does anyone know if the actual conditions reported on VHF Channel 1 are available via the telephone? Is there a number to call to get that report and is it more accurate than the forecasts on the web?Thanks for your input.Mac

 

[Daniel Jonas]

Forecast

The forecast is consistent with an approaching storm, which I believe is accurate. The bouy data is current. There have been pretty mild conditions at various times during the last few weeks. You need to look at current data, and forecast. The distances you are going are not to far. You just need to be prepared to stay in Half Moon Bay a little extra time if the forecast does not hold.Dan Jonas (S/V Feije II)

 

[David Stone]

Try here

Mac,These guys are in the Santa Cruz outer harbor. They are a great source of local knowledge. My main concern would be getting into the harbor. They close it several times a year due to the entrance filling in with sand stirred up by the storms.

 

[Glenn Greene h26.5]

Or Try Here

I find this site has info on the area I'm interested (the Delta). If they have sensors in your area, you'll find them to be a great help. They also offer a 10 free trial so you can see if you like it before you make a commitment.

 

[Mac]

The dredge has been busy...

I've been trying to make this trip since the last big storm in December when the Harbor was shoaled up. The dredge opened the harbor up a few weekes ago, but I can't seem to get a free weekend and a weather window to occur at the same time since it opened up! Now I remember why I named my boat "Patience." MacS/V Patience