Thursday, April 18, 2024

THE Surf Report

 


SURF:

Great surf this week (and ok conditions) thanks to solid SW swell and typical springtime low clouds. The SW peaked this morning but we'll still have fun chest high surf on Friday (and a touch bigger towards the OC). The fly in the ointment is that we have a weak low pressure system moving by the N so we'll have stronger than usual afternoon sea breeze. 


For the weekend, we'll see less wind and a smaller reinforcing SSW swell for more chest high sets (and a touch bigger again in the OC). No complaints. And here’s the sun, tides, and water temps for the upcoming weekend:
  • Sunrise and sunset:
    • 6:12 AM sunrise 
    • 7:23 PM sunset 
  • Water temps are low 60's

  • And here's the tides for the weekend:
    • about 3' at sunrise
    • just over 4' at breakfast
    • just above 0' mid-afternoon
    • and back up to 4' at sunset
FORECAST:


For Monday, the SSW drops but the NW picks up to keep us in chest high waves. 


Then there's a reinforcing waist to chest high SSW late on Tuesday and holds mid-week. After that, the N and S Pacific take a breather and next weekend looks pretty small. If anything changes between now and then, make sure to follow North County Surf on Twitter.

WEATHER:


The rain has backed off and the April Graypril has returned. As mentioned above, a weak cold front is passing by to the N of us tomorrow and we'll have more low clouds and breezy conditions on Friday. For Saturday and Sunday, the sun returns and the wind backs off for a nice weekend. Another weak cold front moves by to the N of us Monday/Tuesday for more low clouds and then... the 2nd half of next week should be nice. Here's what we have on tap for the next several days:
  • Friday: Mostly cloudy and breezy. Temps 65/53.
  • Saturday: Sunny and nice. Temps 65/53.
  • Sunday: Lots of sun and warmer Temps 70/55.
  • Monday/Tuesday: Mostly cloudy. Temps 63/53.
  • Wednesday through the week: Mostly sunny and pleasant. 
BEST BET:
  • Friday: Leftover SSW but wind may be an issue.
  • Saturday/Sunday: Smaller SSW but better cleaner.
  • Monday: New small NW and leftover SSW.
  • Tuesday: New small SSW late, leftover NW, but suspect conditions.

NEWS OF THE WEEK:


As if we didn't have enough to worry about with our water supply. A new report from UH Manoa states that as sea levels continue to rise, coastal groundwater is lifted closer to the ground surface while also becoming saltier and more corrosive. Awesome. Here are the details:

A recent study by earth scientists at the University of Hawai'i (UH) at Manoa compiled research from experts worldwide showing that in cities where there are complex networks of buried and partially buried infrastructure, interaction with this shallower and saltier groundwater exacerbates corrosion and failure of critical systems such as sewer lines, roadways, and building foundations.

"While it has been recognized that shallowing groundwater will eventually result in chronic flooding as it surfaces, what's less known is that it can start causing problems decades beforehand as groundwater interacts with buried infrastructure," said Shellie Habel, lead author and coastal geologist in the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) at UH Manoa. "This knowledge gap often results in coastal groundwater changes being fully overlooked in infrastructure planning."

The research team aimed to create awareness about these issues and offer guidance from world experts on managing them. Habel and co-authors reviewed existing literature to examine the diverse effects on different types of infrastructure. Additionally, by employing worldwide elevation data and geospatial data that indicate the extent of urban development, they identified 1,546 low-lying coastal cities and towns globally, where around 1.42 billion people live, that are likely experiencing these impacts.

"The IPCC 6th Assessment Report tells us that sea level rise is an unstoppable and irreversible reality for centuries to millennia," said Chip Fletcher, study co-author, interim Dean of SOEST, and director of the Climate Resilience Collaborative (CRC) at UH Manoa. "Now is the time to prepare for the challenges posed by this problem by redesigning our communities for greater resilience and social equity."

Well before the visible effects of surface flooding, sea-level rise pushes up the water table and shifts salty water landward. With this, the subsurface environment becomes more corrosive to critical underground infrastructure networks -- buried drainage and sewage lines can become compromised and mobilize urban contamination, and building foundations can weaken. Extensive research conducted by the CRC has substantiated that critical infrastructure around the world, including drainage and basements, is likely currently experiencing flooding from rising groundwater levels. "The damage caused by sea level rise-influenced coastal groundwater is often concealed and not immediately perceptible," said Habel, who is based at the CRC and Hawai'i Sea Grant in SOEST. "As a result, it tends to be overlooked in infrastructure management and planning efforts."

The study authors emphasize the importance of research efforts that can contribute to informed adaptation strategies. "Being aware of these hidden impacts of sea level rise is of significant importance for the State of Hawai'i due to the concentration of communities situated along low-lying coastal zones where groundwater is generally very shallow," said Habel.

The CRC actively collaborates with partners across the nation and infrastructure managers in Hawai'i to gain a comprehensive assessment of how vital infrastructure, encompassing pipe networks, roadways, and buildings, is impacted. Understanding the impacts and risks associated with sea level rise-influenced coastal groundwater enables more effective management and adaptation.

BEST OF THE BLOG:


We got 2 ways to double your fun this spring!

First up...

The sun is out, spring is here, and we got surf- there's no better time for a Surf Meeting! Come on down to George's (just south of the Chart House in Cardiff) next Friday, April 26th at 8 AM to network, grab a bite before work, learn about our next charity event, and maybe catch a barrel or two. And the best thing- it's free! All you have to do is have a passion for surfing and want to support your community. What could be better on a Friday? Look for the tent as usual and hit up northcountyboardmeeting@gmail.com with any questions!

And secondly...

Just a reminder that our NINTH ANNUAL charity golf tournament- sponsored by Venture LLP- is happening FRIDAY, MAY 17th at... Goat Hill. Where else? This year we'll be benefitting Foster the Earth, an organization dedicated to helping vulnerable children and young adults in the foster care system through exposure to the great outdoors. Cost is just $150 to play (and includes lunch from our friends at Senor Grubby's) and hole sponsorships are $250. It's first come, first serve- so give a shout at northcountyboardmeeting@gmail.com or rich@logicopy.com to reserve your spot. Thank you in advance for your support!

PIC OF THE WEEK:


Looks like the Margaret River WCT event could end up with firing surf on finals day. Make sure to tune in to worldsurfleague.com at 4 PM on Saturday afternoon to watch the world's best (minus myself of course- I'll be at small Grandview if you want to watch me on surfline.com instead). 

Keep Surfing, 
Michael W. Glenn
Medalist
Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential
54 Years Of Age But Surf Like I'm 53