Oregon Coast Wind Confusion!

macesix · Joined: 31 Aug 2007 Posts: 49

Manzanita had gread wind today, but there was virtually no wind at Lincoln City. Why? Smile

winfreak · Joined: 26 Apr 2001 Posts: 61 Location: Oregon Coast

Answer: Strong local gradient from site specific sea breeze enhanced by Neahkaknie Mt., dense fog bank, upwelling cold water, and hot inland valley with connection (Nehalem River gap). This was able to overcome a generalized non- favorable gradient. Note that if the fog bank becomes forced against the mountain due to strong enough southerly flow (like today) you are screwed! Crying or Very sad

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

Is an OR coast fog bank generally a kiss of death? The steadiest day of wind I've ever caught there was in a heavy fog right up to the beach and close to Highway 101, at Newport. Upon my outside jibe I could see no sign of North America, but at least the wind was good. Spooky for my first time on the coast!

Mike \m/

green · Joined: 26 Oct 1999 Posts: 2

BTW Lincoln City had usable if erratic wind 4:30 -6:30 pm..peak gusts ~20 kt.