Thread: 24 hours can make a BIG difference...

in water levels along the northern gulf coast!

As most reading this already know, around here just a foot difference between high and low tide is a LOT (for us).
But many are not aware of the difference wind direction, speed and air pressure can have on our water levels.
These pics were taken at about the same location (by Steve Jones) 24 hours apart, and the astronomical tide level should have been about the same.
As can clearly be seen, the change in wind direction and moderate fall in air pressure allowed the water level to rebound almost a foot submerging the beach sand bars that were fully exposed the day prior after the strong front came through.
The graphics are from the meteorological station at the east end of Dauphin Island as a reference and gage of this change.



With consequently persistent southeast to south winds the water level rose about another foot in the next 24 hour period.

Hope this helps!

Is that normal for this time of year.

Any time we experience strong cold fronts the daily water level may drop a foot or so for a period.
Consequently a strong and persistent prefrontal storm (or tropical low pressure) often temporarily rises the daily water level.
Folkses spend a lot of time talking about how the wind moves the water in or out, but IMHO the prevailing air pressure is the true control of our daily water level.

A long term look at most tide stations reflect this...


Most of the extreme peaks and valleys in water level are coincidental to and associated with meteorological events affecting the barometer...

It was nice out there this evening! I could see about 10 feet down at the end! Water felt about 69 Almost like an early spring push! Happy New Year #r!

We see huge swings in water level this time of year, especially on upper Mobile Bay. As Peir#r noted, a strong south wind will have the water a foot or more above predicted levels. A strong north wind will do just the opposite. A big north wind on a super low winter tide and the upper bay will practically empty. Waterline along the western shore will be hundreds of yards out.

Misread a low tide on a strong north wind while duck hunting and you can get your butt stranded. I've seen the whole southeast end of Choccolatta go dry. I've never spent the night in the boat but there are guys who have.

Originally Posted by 00706

It was nice out there this evening! I could see about 10 feet down at the end! Water felt about 69 Almost like an early spring push! Happy New Year #r!

Happy New Year 'double nought' ;-)

Was this you? LOL

Dude we just got hammered down here! One minute I thought I saw bo bos on the horizon and the next it was like end of times! I'm talking duck and cover shart yourself type conditions! I hope no one was hurt!

Ternader!!!