Sneakerwave — 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. Witnesses described one large wave that washed up farther than any other recent wave causing a hiker to be washed into the rocks. One of the hikers was pronounced dead when rescuers arrived, while the other was injured during an attempted rescue 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 1069026. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.