Strong Wind — Washington Palouse, Washington

2012-04-01 · Washington Palouse, Washington

Event narrative

Three kayakers capsized on Rock Lake when strong southwest winds created high waves. This particular lake is oriented southwest to northeast with steep rock walls. Consequently, if a boater capsizes on Rock Lake, it can be difficult to get out of the water due to the very steep shoreline. Each of the three capsized kayakers were rescued and treated for hypothermia; sadly one died at the hospital.

Wider weather episode

A deep area of low pressure moved through the Inland Northwest during the early hours of April 1st ushering a strong cold front through the region. In the post frontal air mass, pressure gradients strengthened as high pressure built into Oregon and low pressure continued to deepen over Montana. This resulted in very windy conditions across the Washington Palouse throughout the morning and afternoon hours of April 1st. Sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts between 40 and 50 mph were observed at multiple observation platforms. The strong southwesterly winds resulted in high waves across Rock Lake which caused a group of kayakers to capsize.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 373905. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.