Portland, Oregon – Boaters along the Oregon and southwest Washington coast could face 16-foot, very steep seas beginning late Friday night, creating capsize risks across inner coastal waters through Sunday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Portland, a Hazardous Seas Watch is in effect from late Friday night through Sunday morning for coastal waters from Cape Shoalwater, Washington, to Florence, Oregon, out 10 nautical miles. Seas are expected to build to 11 to 16 feet at 10 seconds, with southeast winds increasing to 20 to 25 knots and gusts up to 30 knots.
The roughest conditions are expected from early Saturday morning through at least daybreak Sunday as wave energy tightens and winds strengthen. Forecasters note that 3 to 6 hours of Small Craft Advisory-level winds may develop before seas reach peak intensity.
Very steep waves at short intervals can make navigation difficult, especially for smaller vessels crossing bars or operating near headlands such as Cape Falcon and Cape Foulweather. Mariners should consider delaying departures, securing gear and checking the latest bar conditions before heading out.
Conditions are expected to gradually ease later Sunday, but additional marine advisories remain possible if wave heights exceed projections.
