Storm Surge/Tide — Southwestern Humboldt, California

2022-05-29 · Southwestern Humboldt, California

Event narrative

Shelter Cove Fire Department responded to a call about two hikers in the water who had tried to pass a point while hiking The Lost Coast Trail. The tides were not very low this day during the afternoon, nor particularly high, about 4 feet. The swell was around 11 feet at 10 seconds, which brought some larger waves to the Black Sands Beach, though well below advisory criteria. Still, in this particular spot is a steep and dangerous beach. One of the hikers was pronounced dead when rescuers arrived, while the other was injured and rushed to the hospital (and did survive).

Wider weather episode

A modest swell brought some larger waves to the coast. This was not a large event, nor unusual.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1018581. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.