Paddling Weather? Here's how to decide...

Check the local marine weather forecast like the one we have linked here. Note that it's important that you check a MARINE weather source & not just a general forecast which might not note wind patterns or predicted wave heights. Unsupervised novices should be looking for days when winds are light and variable less than 10 knots.

Once you have the forecast/prediction, it's time to see what's actually happening on the water. Generally we check the barometer at this point, look out the window & then check the Conditions from Around Southeast. These are actual records of recorded winds & temperatures that are generally updated every hour. It's often important to know specifically where the official weather stations are located, and also to look at other ones in the general area in order to get a more area-wide idea of existing or developing local weather patterns.

Example...the Haines weather station sits next to the Harbor Bar just adjacent to the Haines Small Boat Harbor. Since the location of this station deep in Portage Cove leaves it largely protected from typical south summer winds, it's about as useful as "teets on a bull". As such, we generally glance at it, but look much more closely at the Eldred Rock station, (located 12 miles mouth of Haines) & the Skagway Station (12 miles north of Haines up the Fjord).

An ideal paddle forecast should find the official (forecast) agreeing with the local (Conditions from Around Southeast), and also agreeing with your visual observation of actual conditions on the water. The barometer should also be stable for the last 6 hours or so.

Check the tides. While the tidal variation in the Lynn Canal can range as much as 26 feet from low to high, paddling close to shore will generally allow you to avoid much of the current which shouldn't generally prove to be a significant impedement.You should however, beware of opposing tides and winds which tend to "stack" waves. While a light wind at your back might seem great while paddling with the current, a change in the tides might quickly create uncomfortable paddle conditions without any increase in wind speed. It's also helps to consider the tides when studying charts and planning your paddle day. Our big tidal range means that low tides make some areas completely inaccessible at low tide, while other landings simply become extremely long, difficult and sometimes dangerous portages if you get to shore at low tide. It's also important to keep in mind that stopping for lunch during an incoming tide will often require you to carry your boats a ways in order to keep them from floating off while you eat.

Checking the Long Term Forecast is always a good idea even if just going out for the day. It gives you a good idea of the "big picture" and makes you more prepared for changing weather patterns which sometimes occur much sooner than predicted. Needless to say, considering the long term forecast before an extended paddle trip is more important still.

The above weather link s are also broadcast on VHF marine band weather channels (WX2 in Haines & Skagway), and can also be accessed via pre-recorded message by phone at 766-2727 in Haines and 983-____ in Skagway. You'll also find a marine weather radio on the Harbor Masters shed in Skagway, and at the ferry terminals in both Haines (broken last I checked) and Skagway.

Paddle Safe!