What happened in Boothbay?

[Steve]

Any word on this from our downeast Maine folks?

http://www.boston.com/news/local/maine/articles/2008/11/04/massive_waves_a_mystery_at_maine_harbor/

[treilley]

I just read that article from another sailing sight. This is the first I have heard about it even though it happened a week ago. I figured I would have at least heard something from some of the guys down at the boatyard.

[kevin81]

Here's an article from the Boothbay Register. I'll call my brother (lives on Linekin Bay) and get any update from a local. I'll report back after I talk to him.

http://boothbayregister.maine.com/2008-10-30/strange_tide_occurs.html

Kevin

[C. Trembanis]

Any word on this from our downeast Maine folks?

http://www.boston.com/news/local/maine/articles/2008/11/04/massive_waves_a_mystery_at_maine_harbor/

According to a New Hampshire scientist, it is suspected that a coastal front happended to resonate with the frequency of the harbor.

[kevin81]

Here's what I learned from the locals (Boothbay local residents).......

Someone in the area consulted an oceanographer and his research and thoughts are as follows:

Concurrent with the low tide a strong north wind helped "push" the water out of the harbor, enhancing the low tide. The wind then quickly switched to the south, "pushing" the water back towards the harbor, also causing large waves (wind would be then 180 deg of tide direction). The wind data was confirmed by a weather buoy offshore of Boothbay.

Does/can the wind have that effect on tide levels? Yes. In Galveston Bay, there is a minimal tidal change, usually 1'-2'. When a strong cold front moves through, the wind can lower the water level 3'-5' below normal levels.

[Steve]

Yikes, I guess you never know.. when the moons and stars line up, anything is possible! :p