The National Weather Service (NWS) Portland has issued a detailed marine forecast for the coastal waters from Cape Shoalwater, Washington, to Florence, Oregon, extending 60 nautical miles westward. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Friday morning due to elevated seas. This forecast, issued at 2:02 PM PST on Thursday, February 27, 2025, outlines anticipated wind conditions, wave heights, and potential precipitation through Monday night.
Synopsis from the National Weather Service Portland
High pressure dominates the region through the latter part of the week, promoting calmer conditions overall. However, a weak front passing through Thursday into Friday morning will generate slightly higher seas. Following this front, a long-period westerly swell is expected to arrive by Saturday, further impacting marine conditions.
National Weather Service Portland: Nearshore Marine Forecast (Out to 10 Nautical Miles)
Cape Shoalwater, WA to Cape Falcon, OR:
- Thursday: Southeast winds shifting to southwest in the afternoon at 5-10 knots. Seas 9-10 feet with a dominant west swell at 10 feet and 13 seconds. Chance of showers, primarily in the morning.
- Friday: North winds 5-10 knots. Seas subsiding to 6-7 feet in the afternoon. Westerly swell persists.
- Saturday: South winds 5-10 knots. Seas building to 11-13 feet with a dominant west swell at 13 feet and 19 seconds. Rain likely.
- Sunday: Northwest winds increasing to 10-15 knots. Seas 9-11 feet with a persistent westerly swell. Rain.
- Monday: West winds 5-10 knots. Seas decreasing to 6-8 feet. Westerly swell continues. Rain likely.
Cape Falcon to Cape Foulweather, OR:
- Conditions mirror the Cape Shoalwater to Cape Falcon zone, with similar wind speeds and wave heights. Expect a dominant westerly swell and periods of rain throughout the forecast period.
Cape Foulweather to Florence, OR:
- Thursday: Northeast winds becoming northwest in the afternoon around 5 knots. Seas initially 10-11 feet, subsiding to 8-10 feet. Westerly swell prevails.
- Friday: North winds increasing to 10-15 knots in the afternoon. Seas 6-9 feet, subsiding to 5-7 feet in the afternoon. Westerly swell continues.
- Saturday: Southwest winds 5-10 knots. Seas building to 9-12 feet with a strong west swell. Rain likely.
- Sunday: Northwest winds 10-15 knots. Seas 8-11 feet. Westerly swell continues with rain.
- Monday: West winds 5-10 knots. Seas 6-9 feet, subsiding in the afternoon. Westerly swell persists. Rain likely, mainly in the morning.
National Weather Service Portland: Offshore Marine Forecast (10 to 60 Nautical Miles)
All zones (Cape Shoalwater, WA to Florence, OR): Offshore waters will experience similar wind and wave patterns as nearshore areas, but with higher seas. Expect a dominant westerly swell and sustained periods of rain throughout the forecast period. Small Craft Advisories are in effect through Friday morning for all zones.
National Weather Service Portland: Columbia River Bar Forecast
Thursday: Strong ebb current expected at 4:15 PM with seas 13-15 feet. Small Craft Advisory in effect through Friday morning. Seas in the main channel will be 10-12 feet, subsiding to 7 feet Friday afternoon. Strong ebb currents are also anticipated Friday afternoon and evening.
