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. >*************************************************************************** *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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