Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Eureka, CA

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737
FXUS66 KEKA 061229
AFDEKA

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
National Weather Service Eureka CA
424 AM PDT Sun Apr 6 2025

.SYNOPSIS...A quick moving frontal system arrives this morning,
bringing gusty south wind and moderate to heavy rain to Del Norte
and Humboldt counties.


&&

.DISCUSSION...A quick moving frontal system moves into the area this
morning, bringing another round of rain and breezy winds. Del Norte
County is forecast to see moderate to locally heavy rain. HREF
probabilities for rain rates over 0.3 in/hr is around 30-50% for
much of Del Norte county. Forecast rain totals through Monday are
around 2.5-3.0 inches in Del Norte. Mainly light to moderate rain
is forecast south of Del Norte. Humboldt is forecast to see
0.5-1.5 inches, with the highest amounts north of Humboldt Bay and
in the King Range. Trinity, Mendocino, and Lake counties are
forecast to see anywhere from a few hundredths to a quarter inch,
with locally higher amounts in the higher terrain. Snow levels
start high, around 8000-9000 ft, and drop to 5000-6000 ft tonight
into Monday morning. Little to no impacts to mountain passes are
expected, apart from occasional rain/snow mix at Scott Mountain
Pass Monday. Southerly winds are forecast to be breezy. HREF is
showing high probabilities for gusts exceeding 30 mph on the
coastal headlands and ridges of Del Norte and Humboldt.
Precipitation turns showery tonight into Monday, with mainly light
showers expected.

Additional rounds of light rain and breezy south winds are possible
Tuesday and Thursday in Humboldt and Del Norte counties as weaker
fronts pass by. NBM has 30-40% probabilities for over a tenth of an
inch of precipitation In Del Norte both days, with lower
probabilities to the south. Most ensemble members continue this
pattern of weak frontal systems bringing light rain potential late
week into the weekend, though timing and positioning vary. JB


&&

.AVIATION...Deteriorating flying conditions are expected for North
Coast terminals this afternoon and evening as a front pushes
onshore. IFR conditions in light to moderate rain along with low
level wind shear or turbulence in the boundary layer is forecast for
KCEC and KACV. Conditions will also deteriorate for KUKI municipal
tonight as a westerly influx of moisture pushes over the coastal
ranges and into the interior valleys. DB


&&

.MARINE...Buoy observation overnight and early this morning showed a
broad spectrum of generally small waves made up of a long period
group at 21 seconds and multiple shorter period bands less than 15
seconds. Total combined sea state was no more than 3 feet. The long
period westerly swell will build today and crest around 10-12 ft
this afternoon and evening. Southerly winds and steep SW waves with
a frontal boundary will also increase this afternoon. There is a
chance of southerly wind gusts to 35kt or more this afternoon into
early evening, 40-60% chance, north of Cape Mendocino. Winds should
ease mid to late evening after frontal passage followed by another
increase late tonight into Monday morning. Seas will remain steep
and elevated through Monday due to a combinations of a decaying
westerly swell and steep SW wind waves. DB


&&

.BEACH HAZARDS...Moderate sneaker wave risk continues this morning
through this evening. A long period westerly swell of 3-4 ft at 21
seconds entered the coastal waters overnight. This wave group will
build through the day, cresting around 10-12 ft at 18 seconds by
early afternoon. Greatest risk appears to be along the Mendocino
coast, due to lighter winds and beaches seemingly more tranquil or
safe with less short period wave hazards. Long period waves can
generate lulls in wave activity ending with a large set of breaking
waves that wash much farther up beach than previous waves. Be
cautious visiting steep beaches and jetties on Sunday and remember
to never turn your back on the ocean! DB


&&

.EKA WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
CA...
     Beach Hazards Statement through this evening for CAZ101-103-
     104-109.

NORTHWEST CALIFORNIA COASTAL WATERS...
     Small Craft Advisory from 1 PM this afternoon to 10 AM PDT
     Monday for PZZ450-455.

     Small Craft Advisory from 10 AM this morning to 11 PM PDT
     Monday for PZZ470.

     Small Craft Advisory from noon today to 11 PM PDT Monday
     for PZZ475.

&&

$$

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