Columbia River Bar Conditions

Cape Disappointment, WA • Mouth of Columbia River

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AI Condition Analysis

LOW RISK
Current conditions are favorable for a bar crossing, characterized by low swell, light winds, and excellent visibility.
Confidence Level 85%
Show Detailed Analysis
Contributing Factors
Tide
15% weight
Tide data is unavailable; an outgoing (ebb) tide opposing the northwest swell would significantly increase wave height and steepness, creating hazardous conditions.
Swell
25% weight
A 4.6-foot swell at a moderate 8-second period from the northwest is manageable but will create noticeable chop, especially if opposed by an ebb tide.
Wind
20% weight
Light winds from the north-northwest have a minimal impact on the sea state, contributing little additional chop to the existing swell.
Weather
15% weight
Excellent visibility (10 NM) and a stable 24-hour forecast reduce navigational hazards and the likelihood of sudden deterioration.
Bar status
25% weight
Columbia River Bar Status OPEN Last Updated: 07/16/2026, 10:40:59 PM Conditions: Report Time: 7/16/2026 3:40 PM. Status: No Restrictions. Conditions: MAIN CHANNEL 2-4 FEET, MIDDLE GROUNDS 1-3 FEET, PEACOCK SPIT 2-4 FEET, CLATSOP SPIT 1-3 FEET. WINDS ARE 5-10 KNOTS FROM THE SOUTH. VISIBILITY IS 10 NAUTICAL MILES. THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO RESTRICTIONS ON THE COLUMBIA RIVER BAR. Restrictions: No
Recommendation
Mariners should verify the current tide cycle before crossing; proceeding during slack water or a flood tide is advised, as an ebb tide will increase wave steepness and risk despite the otherwise calm conditions.
Analysis generated on 07/18/2026, 4:00 AM

Columbia River Bar Crossing Guidance:

High tides and flood currents are generally preferred for bar crossing due to deeper water and smoother wave conditions. Low tides and ebb currents can create dangerous standing waves.

Important Safety Disclaimer:

This is general guidance only. Always check current bar conditions, weather, swell height, and official USCG reports before crossing. Conditions can change rapidly and override tide preferences.

Current Status

Columbia River Bar Status
UNRESTRICTED
Last Updated: 07/16/2026, 03:40:59 PM

Conditions:

Report Time: 7/16/2026 3:40 PM. Status: No Restrictions. Conditions: MAIN CHANNEL 2-4 FEET, MIDDLE GROUNDS 1-3 FEET, PEACOCK SPIT 2-4 FEET, CLATSOP SPIT 1-3 FEET. WINDS ARE 5-10 KNOTS FROM THE SOUTH. VISIBILITY IS 10 NAUTICAL MILES. THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO RESTRICTIONS ON THE COLUMBIA RIVER BAR.

Source: USCG

Marine Conditions

Wind
6 kt
N (350°)
Gusts to 8 kt
Swell
4.6 ft
NW @ 8s
Waves
4.6 ft
Visibility
10 nm
Barometer
30.10"
Updated
03:30:00 AM

Forecast Planning

48-Hour Weather Forecast

Fri, Jul 17
No day forecast available
Night
Mostly Cloudy
55°F
2 mph NNW
Today
Day
Mostly Sunny
65°F
1-13 mph NNW
Night
Mostly Cloudy
54°F
8-13 mph NNW
Tomorrow
Day
Partly Sunny
65°F
8-15 mph NNW
Night
Mostly Cloudy
54°F
7-15 mph N

Weather Impact: High winds (>25 mph), heavy rain, and lightning significantly increase bar crossing risks. Monitor both day and night conditions when planning crossings.

Tide Information

Tidal Curve (Today & Tomorrow)
-1.1 0.6 2.4 4.1 5.9 7.7 7PM 9PM 11PM 1AM 3AM 5AM 7AM 9AM 11AM 1PM 3PM 5PM 7PM 9PM 11PM 04:46
Predicted
Low Tide
Jul 17 at 09:50 PM
1.5 ft
High Tide
Today at 03:53 AM
7.1 ft
Low Tide
Today at 10:13 AM
-0.6 ft
Next
High Tide
Today at 04:55 PM
7.2 ft
Low Tide
Today at 10:42 PM
1.3 ft

Tidal Currents

Tidal Current Forecast
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 3PM 5PM 7PM 9PM 11PM 1AM 3AM 5AM 7AM 9AM 11AM 1PM 3PM 5PM 7PM 9PM 11PM 1AM 3AM 04:46
Positive values indicate flood (incoming) current; negative values indicate ebb (outgoing). Y-axis in knots; X-axis in local time.