Columbia River Bar Conditions

Cape Disappointment, WA • Mouth of Columbia River

AI Condition Analysis

LOW RISK
Current conditions are favorable for a crossing, characterized by light winds, a moderate westerly swell, and optimal timing near slack high water.
Confidence Level 95%
Show Detailed Analysis
Contributing Factors
Tide
15% weight
The current timing is ideal at slack high water, but the upcoming strong ebb tide after 3:29 PM will significantly increase crossing hazards by creating steeper waves.
Swell
25% weight
A moderate westerly swell (4.3 ft @ 9 sec) is present; while manageable now, it will interact negatively with the forthcoming ebb tide.
Wind
20% weight
Light and variable winds (under 12 knots) are a significant positive factor, minimizing surface chop and improving overall sea state.
Weather
15% weight
The clear, sunny forecast with unlimited visibility provides excellent situational awareness and indicates stable atmospheric conditions.
Bar status
25% weight
Columbia River Bar Status OPEN Last Updated: 06/11/2026, 05:20:32 PM Conditions: Report Time: 6/11/2026 10:20 AM. Status: No Restrictions. Conditions: MAIN CHANNEL 3-5 FEET, MIDDLE GROUNDS 1-3 FEET, PEACOCK SPIT 3-5 FEET, CLATSOP SPIT 2-4 FEET. WINDS ARE LIGHT AND VARIABLE. VISIBILITY IS UNLIMITED. THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO RESTRICTIONS ON THE COLUMBIA RIVER BAR.. Restrictions: No
Recommendation
A crossing is recommended at this time, taking advantage of the slack high tide; however, mariners should plan their return trip to avoid the strong ebb tide developing this afternoon after 3:29 PM.
Analysis generated on 06/11/2026, 2:00 PM

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: 06/11/2026, 10:20:32 AM

Conditions:

Report Time: 6/11/2026 10:20 AM. Status: No Restrictions. Conditions: MAIN CHANNEL 3-5 FEET, MIDDLE GROUNDS 1-3 FEET, PEACOCK SPIT 3-5 FEET, CLATSOP SPIT 2-4 FEET. WINDS ARE LIGHT AND VARIABLE. VISIBILITY IS UNLIMITED. THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO RESTRICTIONS ON THE COLUMBIA RIVER BAR..

Source: USCG

Marine Conditions

Wind
10 kt
NNW (330°)
Gusts to 12 kt
Swell
4.3 ft
W @ 9s
Waves
4.3 ft
Visibility
10 nm
Barometer
30.16"
Updated
01:30:00 PM

Forecast Planning

48-Hour Weather Forecast

Today
Day
Sunny
62°F
8-14 mph NNW
Night
Partly Cloudy
52°F
9-14 mph NNW
Tomorrow
Day
Mostly Sunny
64°F
8-14 mph NNW
Night
Partly Cloudy
53°F
5-13 mph N
Sat, Jun 13
Day
Sunny
74°F
5-15 mph N
Night
Mostly Clear
60°F
6-15 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)
-0.9 1.0 2.9 4.8 6.7 8.6 3AM 5AM 7AM 9AM 11AM 1PM 3PM 5PM 7PM 9PM 11PM 1AM 3AM 5AM 7AM 9AM 11AM 14:36
Predicted
Low Tide
Today at 04:00 AM
0.4 ft
High Tide
Today at 10:28 AM
5.3 ft
Low Tide
Today at 03:29 PM
2.5 ft
Next
High Tide
Today at 09:58 PM
8.1 ft
Low Tide
Tomorrow at 04:57 AM
-0.4 ft
High Tide
Tomorrow at 11:35 AM
5.7 ft

Tidal Currents

Tidal Current Forecast
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 1AM 3AM 5AM 7AM 9AM 11AM 1PM 3PM 5PM 7PM 9PM 11PM 1AM 3AM 5AM 7AM 9AM 11AM 1PM 14:36
Positive values indicate flood (incoming) current; negative values indicate ebb (outgoing). Y-axis in knots; X-axis in local time.