So did you hear about the massive storm that Southern California endured on January 6th? Did you know that there also was a Full Moon on January 6th? It sounds like a perfect combination to me. There were reports of waves reaching the insane height of over 20 feet in some spots! Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get to the coast to have a look on that incredible weekend, but I was available on the 11th. I looked at the surf report for the second week in January, and Wednesday the 11th looked like the best bet in catching a few shots of big waves with my camera; hurray!
Join me as I journey down the coast, first Oceanside, then Carlsbad, and finally ending my adventure at Swami’s in Encinitas.
Just How Big Were the Waves on January Sixth in San Diego?
The storm came onshore in San Diego early on Thursday, January 5th. The National Weather Service anticipated widespread coastal flooding, heavy rains, high winds (20 to 30 mph), and massive surf.
Also, the storm has been described as a ‘bomb cyclone’ because it started as a low-pressure system that rapidly intensified into a massive storm that created a west-northwest swell. So needless to say, W to NW facing beaches experienced the largest waves.
How massive were the waves, you ask?
- Oceanside Pier- 7 to 10 feet
- Carlsbad State Beach- 4 to 5 feet
- South Ponto- 5 to 7 feet
- Encinitas- 8 to 9 feet
- Black’s Beach- 15 to 20 feet
- La Jolla Cove- 18 to 20 feet
- Mission Beach- 18 feet
- Imperial Beach- 9 to 10 feet
Continue reading “Big Waves in January”
I have always had a deep-seated passion for the Ocean Environment which ultimately led me to receive a degree in Marine Biology. Living in the San Diego area for over 30 years, I have extensively explored the 70 miles of San Diego’s coastline, and I am here to share! Please use my website to your advantage and have a look around at all the wonders that the beaches of San Diego can offer you!