Columbia River Bar Conditions

Cape Disappointment, WA • Mouth of Columbia River

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AI Condition Analysis

LOW RISK
Current conditions are exceptionally favorable for a bar crossing due to low swell, light winds, and a strong incoming tide.
Confidence Level 95%
Show Detailed Analysis
Contributing Factors
Tide
15% weight
The strong incoming (flood) tide is significantly improving safety by opposing the river's outflow and flattening waves.
Swell
25% weight
A long 15-second period and low 2.0-foot height indicate a gentle, non-hazardous ocean state.
Wind
20% weight
Light and variable winds at 3.9 knots are having a negligible effect on sea state, contributing to calm conditions.
Weather
15% weight
The forecast for 'Areas Of Fog' presents a potential visibility hazard, requiring mariners to be vigilant and equipped with radar.
Bar status
25% weight
Columbia River Bar Status OPEN Last Updated: 08/11/2026, 04:35:21 PM Conditions: Report Time: 8/11/2026 9:35 AM. Status: No Restrictions. Conditions: MAIN CHANNEL 1-3 FEET, MIDDLE GROUNDS 1-3 FEET, PEACOCK SPIT 2-4 FEET, CLATSOP SPIT 1-3 FEET. WINDS ARE L/V. VISIBILITY IS 04 NAUTICAL MILES. Restrictions: No
Recommendation
A crossing is recommended at this time to take advantage of the flood tide; however, maintain a vigilant watch and use radar as necessary due to the forecast for potential fog.
Analysis generated on 08/11/2026, 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: 08/11/2026, 09:35:21 AM

Conditions:

Report Time: 8/11/2026 9:35 AM. Status: No Restrictions. Conditions: MAIN CHANNEL 1-3 FEET, MIDDLE GROUNDS 1-3 FEET, PEACOCK SPIT 2-4 FEET, CLATSOP SPIT 1-3 FEET. WINDS ARE L/V. VISIBILITY IS 04 NAUTICAL MILES.

Source: USCG

Marine Conditions

Wind
4 kt
WSW (240°)
Gusts to 4 kt
Swell
2.0 ft
WSW @ 15s
Waves
2.0 ft
Visibility
10 nm
Barometer
30.15"
Updated
01:30:00 PM

Forecast Planning

48-Hour Weather Forecast

Today
Day
Mostly Sunny
68°F
7 mph NW
Night
Areas Of Fog
58°F
7 mph NW
Tomorrow
Day
Areas Of Fog then Mostly Cloudy
66°F
5-9 mph NNW
Night
Mostly Cloudy
57°F
2-9 mph NW
Thu, Aug 13
Day
Mostly Cloudy
67°F
1-8 mph NW
Night
Mostly Cloudy
57°F
2-8 mph NW

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)
-2.2 0.0 2.2 4.3 6.5 8.7 5AM 7AM 9AM 11AM 1PM 3PM 5PM 7PM 9PM 11PM 1AM 3AM 5AM 7AM 9AM 11AM 1PM 14:09
Predicted
Low Tide
Today at 06:20 AM
-1.5 ft
High Tide
Today at 12:58 PM
6.3 ft
Low Tide
Today at 06:07 PM
2.2 ft
Next
High Tide
Tomorrow at 12:16 AM
8.2 ft
Low Tide
Tomorrow at 07:05 AM
-1.7 ft
High Tide
Tomorrow at 01:40 PM
6.7 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 14:09
Positive values indicate flood (incoming) current; negative values indicate ebb (outgoing). Y-axis in knots; X-axis in local time.