Lessons from an incident in the Baja

May 1994

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.

 

West Coast Marine Weather Hazards Manual:
A Guide to Local Forecasts and Conditions

Here is a book that everyone travelling the BC coast should look at. It explains the genesis of large scale weather patterns and the resulting local hazards all along the BC coast. Both novice and experienced paddlers -and indeed any boater- will learn something. Kayak guides especially should have the Manual on their bookshelf.

In clear and simple language, accompanied by frequent charts, graphs, maps and photos, readers are presented with a complete introduction to the weather of coastal BC. Tips are given on key indicators -falling or rising pressure, certain cloud effects and other progressive patterns- which provide clues to prediction of developing weather conditions.

The Manual describes the different ways that storms approach the coast and how the strong winds, high seas, and other conditions which result from these storms are modified by various coastal effects. It provides a broad, conceptual outline of the dynamic interactions of air pressure, sea, land, current and tide which create the effects we experience in the coastal environment.

In addition to storm patterns, the Manual explains phenomena such as the lee trough, the stratus surge, corner winds, gap winds, katabatic and anabatic winds, rips and overfalls, and many more. While the Manual paints the coastal weather in broad strokes, it also provides a wealth of specific information, enabling mariners to get the most out of Environment Canada's weather forecasts and avoid hazards which could cause trouble.

Particularly important is the section which includes a dozen specific coastal areas and the often very narrow weather-related hazards you can encounter there. This section is extremely informative and should be consulted in any expedition planning. Included is information on the local radio stations, VHF channels, and broadcast bands.

For those who are unfamiliar with the location of the many weather reporting stations and marine weather buoys along the coast, there is a map which pinpoints all locations. There is also a glossary of common terms, a cold water survival guide, and metric conversion tables.

The book also refers to a series of informative supplemental videos on marine weather available for individuals and groups who want to learn more about local marine weather hazards. For more information on these videos, the reader is directed to contact the Pacific Weather Centre, Atmospheric Environment Service, Environment Canada, 200-1200 West 73rd Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6P 6H9.

Marine Weather Hazards Manual: a guide to local forecasts and conditions, 2nd edition Published by Gordon Soules Book Publishers Ltd. in cooperation with Environment Canada and the Canada Communications Group, Ministry of Supply and Services, 1992.

ISBN 0-919574-29-7
$14.95 (Cdn),141 pp, water resistant softcover, coil bound, 9"x7", photos, charts, graphs, maps, appendices. Highly recommended.