Salmon Creek Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. We’re looking at a 16-day window for Salmon Creek, and if I’m honest, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. There’s a decent amount of swell in the forecast, but the wind is going to be a real headache for most of the run. We’ve got a few standout windows, but you’ll need to be patient and pick your moments.

The first real bit of action worth paddling out for is Thursday morning, September 3rd. We’ve got a clean 2ft swell from the SW, and the wind is a light cross-off from the S at 9 mph. The wave energy is moderate (800), and the water is sitting at 57°, which is about average for this time of year. That light offshore wind should have the waves looking pretty tidy. If you can get out then, that’s the session to chase.

The pattern then gets messy. From Thursday afternoon right through to Tuesday, September 15th, the wind is mostly onshore or cross-onshore out of the west, and the surf quality is poor. There are a few mornings with lighter winds, but the swell direction is often a bit off, and the energy is all over the place. It’s a long stretch of choppy, blown-out conditions. Not worth fighting the crowds for.

Now, here’s the real standout. Friday morning, September 11th, things get interesting. We’re looking at a big 10ft groundswell from the SW, with a very long period of 19 seconds. The combined energy is massive (2465), and the wind is a light cross-off from the W at just 3 mph. That’s a recipe for some serious, powerful waves. However, and this is a big however, this swell is well over 8ft, so it’s strictly for experts only. The long period (over 15 seconds) means it’s a true groundswell, which will be prone to breaking a bit straight at a beach break like Salmon Creek, but that light offshore wind should help hold it together. If you’re experienced and looking for a proper challenge, this is the morning.

After that big pulse, the swell drops and the wind turns onshore again for the rest of the week. There’s a small window on Friday morning, September 18th, with a 2ft SW swell and a clean cross-off wind from the S at 6 mph. The energy is moderate (680), and the period is a very long 20 seconds. This won’t be big, but it could be really clean and lined up for a longboard or a fish.

So, to sum it up: the best on offer is that massive, expert-only swell on Friday, September 11th. If that’s too much, aim for the clean, small waves on Thursday morning, September 3rd, or the clean, small long-period swell on Friday, September 18th. The rest of the time, you’re better off finding something else to do.

Rusty.

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