Columbia Beach - forecasts and wind

[Mike]

It's been several years since I've been to Columbia Beach. It occurred to me that I've got more time to chase that wind now when there's nothing down here. I'm thinking key forecast model is BWD. And the sensor I found is in link below. Any other key indicators??

https://windisgood.com/columbia-ws.html

https://windisgood.com/forecast.html#model1

[Alton]

Be careful. You may want to move to Parksville and join Dave Murray and AJ instead of chasing the wind.

[Michael]

Any other key indicators??

Windguru GFS. Check both CB and Boundary Bay. If Boundary bay is showing a strong easterly all day and the other forecasts show a big day at CB, it's going to be epic. Those are the days I look for. Actuals are hard to check with the sensor and webcam being down. Look at Point Atkinson and Halibut Bank if they are cranking it's going to be big at CB. By that time you've already pulled the trigger and are on the ferry or sitting at CB waiting anyways. This screen shot shows the typical setup. East at BBay with wind at PA and HB and it's cranking at Sisters. Have fun!

[Mike]

Thanks Michael. I had a hunch you'd be the "goto" for this. If you think something's simmering and plan to go, consider sending me a text. For me, if it fails I've now got Kona to explore with so it feels less risky now.

[Michael]

Thanks Michael. I had a hunch you'd be the "goto" for this. If you think something's simmering and plan to go, consider sending me a text. For me, if it fails I've now got Kona to explore with so it feels less risky now.

No problem! Unfortunately, I'm really busy with work for the next month so no Island trips for me. I'll let you know if I see anything, I always check regardless if I can go or not. Dave will catch it as well, I'm sure he has a few more forecasting insights too. Exploring with Kona is a great backup plan!

[arg]

I second what Twasssen said.
The forecasted wind speed color needs to be solid red across the daylight hours, and maybe even a few black episodes tossed around to make it look like serious wind at no possibility of serious wind not happening...
Yes the place can be really good, but the actual can and does span from epic to a forecast-whiff. Don't believe me? Go for some humour and look back in time at the 'Kus ' logs on windisgood, varies from 'where did that come from' to 'I needed a smaller sail' to 'I re-rigged x times and still ended up without big enough gear'.

[Michael]

If Boundary bay is showing a strong easterly all day and the other forecasts show a big day at CB, it's going to be epic.

This is the forecast I was talking about. Along with the high tide at the peak of the wind it should be fun. Downside it's going to be cold, too cold for a day trip to the Island for me.

[Mike]

This is the forecast I was talking about. Along with the high tide at the peak of the wind it should be fun. Downside it's going to be cold, too cold for a day trip to the Island for me.

Thanks for the heads up Michael. I noticed this too, but like you, turned away due to the cold temperatures. One day it will be windy (and not painfully cold) again!