Wind, Swell and Rogue Waves

[Spoonplugger]

This is a quote from the NOAA web page listed below:

Quote:

In the book Oceanography and Seamanship, William G. Van Dorn provided an example of what the wave heights would be if a steady 33 mph (30 knots) wind blew for 24 hours over a fetch of 340 miles.

• 10% of all waves will be less than 3.6 ft (1 m).
• The most frequent wave height will be 8½ ft (2½ m).
• The average wave height will be 11 ft (3 m).
• The significant wave height will be 17 ft (5 m).
• 10% of all waves will be higher than 18 ft (5 m).
• The average wave height of the highest 10% of all waves will be 22 ft (7 m).
• A 5% chance of encountering a single wave higher than 35 ft (11 m) among every 200 waves that pass in about 30 minutes.
• A 5% chance of encountering a single wave higher than 40 ft (12 m) among every 2,600 waves that pass in about five hours.

Unquote.

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/ocean/waves.htm

Very interesting reading. Just gives us another prospective of our mighty ocean.

If we were out in a significant wave height of say 6 feet we could encounter a wave 14.11 feet. I'm sure we've all noticed extra large waves among the average. In about 8 foot seas one time I encountered a wave that was about 19 to 20 feet high. My friend and I compared it to my previous 21 foot Harvey Dory and could not believe our eyes . Bee Safe...

[ron m]

Thanks jerry, that's an interesting site, looks like there will be much good info available there. I bookmarked to read when I have time to explore.
ron m

[little doc]

I don't think I want to hit a 40 footer in an aircraft carrier, much less my little tub...

[34Baidarka]

Darn good perspective! ya know, you look at the forecast...
look at the buoy reports...look at swell watch sites...then decide.
But you don't realize this information..the fact that 10' seas can ensue 14' seas...or a 20' wave every now and again. Be safe out there and decide towards the side of caution. LEAVE NO DOG BEHIND

We experienced such a force last Sunday.
10 rollers out at the CR...with 1' wind waves...with the occasional surprise.
when we got to the bar...20' rollers with the occasional surprise.

The occasional surprise in 10' seas is NOTHING like the surprise in 20' seas.
THANK YOU.post this often

[PC Silver Streak]

Originally Posted by Spoonplugger

This is a quote from the NOAA web page listed below:

Quote:


In the book Oceanography and Seamanship, William G. Van Dorn provided an example of what the wave heights would be if a steady 33 mph (30 knots) wind blew for 24 hours over a fetch of 340 miles.

• 10% of all waves will be less than 3.6 ft (1 m).
• The most frequent wave height will be 8½ ft (2½ m).
• The average wave height will be 11 ft (3 m).
• The significant wave height will be 17 ft (5 m).
• 10% of all waves will be higher than 18 ft (5 m).
• The average wave height of the highest 10% of all waves will be 22 ft (7 m).
• A 5% chance of encountering a single wave higher than 35 ft (11 m) among every 200 waves that pass in about 30 minutes.
• A 5% chance of encountering a single wave higher than 40 ft (12 m) among every 2,600 waves that pass in about five hours.

Unquote.

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/ocean/waves.htm

Very interesting reading. Just gives us another prospective of our mighty ocean.

If we were out in a significant wave height of say 6 feet we could encounter a wave 14.11 feet. I'm sure we've all noticed extra large waves among the average. In about 8 foot seas one time I encountered a wave that was about 19 to 20 feet high. My friend and I compared it to my previous 21 foot Harvey Dory and could not believe our eyes . Bee Safe...

Vey interesting, thanks for sharing.