Re: [Paddlewise] Cc: Paddlewise <PaddleWise_at_paddlewise.net>

     I wonder if there's some relationship to what a WW paddler would call a "Pulsating Wave"?  I've seen them on some rivers in high water conditions.  The Lackawaxen at Kimbles Bridge in PA has one at the end of a ledge which is usually a hole.  At high levels a large wave sometimes pops up from it just in time to catch an unwary kayaker,  usually every 10-15 seconds.
On the Lehigh I've seen a similar phenomenon.  Normal release levels are 700-1000 cfs but I was caught on it post-rain at close to 6000 cfs.  A small stream coming in at a bend of the river was now contributing something over 1000 cfs by itself. The juncture was a wide fairly flat sheet of water but about every 20-30 seconds it erupted into 6-9 ft. waves for 10 seconds or so, then would subside.  Fortunately for me I went through it during a quiet period.  

Joe P.
Hopewell, NJ





>Regardless of the cause, the name, or the science; there are unpredictably
>large waves that seem to be associated with long-period (5 seconds and over)
>swells in the winter and spring months. If you paddle in shallow watter
>exposed to the open ocean you should check for swell periods on the offshore
>wave rider buoys and behave in whatever you believe is your best interest.
>
>One question I had is why so many of these "sneaker" wave problems seem to
>occur in what is described as calm conditions. Long-period swells must also
>occur on days when the wind blows, too. But maybe boaters tend to stay
>farther from shoaling water when it's obviously rough.
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