Making the most of our WAMs

Craig Brokensha picture
Craig Brokensha (Craig)
Swellnet Analysis

If you haven't stumbled across our Wave Model (WAM) charts yet, you've been missing out on a great forecasting tool.

On each surf report and forecast page, there's a tab labelled 'WAMS' which links to a large four panel view of wave height, wave period, wind speed and mean sea level pressure.

Follow these three simple steps to use the WAMs. For a great first view of the WAMs, check out this large swell on the way to Hawaii in the North Shore WAMs.

1) Click on the load button at the top right corner of the panel. This will load up the image files ready for step two.

2) Either click the play button to watch the charts play out in front of you, or grab the small grey button and slide it back and forward at your own speed to focus on storms/swells you're interested in.

3) Zoom in up to three levels to get a closer look at the swell forecast for the region of interest.

 

Comments

Craig's picture
Craig's picture
Craig Friday, 13 Dec 2013 at 10:16am

The swell expected later next week in Hawaii has gone XL. Check out the charts on this bad boy, 30-50kt winds spanning a large chunk of the North Pacific with periods reaching 20 seconds and over 4m of swell. http://swllnt.com/1e6VXfc

fitzroy-21's picture
fitzroy-21's picture
fitzroy-21 Friday, 13 Dec 2013 at 10:55am

Wonder if it will be good enough for the Eddie to run......

Craig's picture
Craig's picture
Craig Friday, 13 Dec 2013 at 11:12am

We've got an eye on it, will provide an update shortly.

Craig's picture
Craig's picture
Craig Friday, 13 Dec 2013 at 2:54pm

Here you go Fitz: Eddie swell looms over Hawaii

fitzroy-21's picture
fitzroy-21's picture
fitzroy-21 Friday, 13 Dec 2013 at 3:05pm

Thanks Craig, certainly an impressive system. Lets hope the rule of thumb is a fraction out and the Eddie does go.

mick-free's picture
mick-free's picture
mick-free Friday, 13 Dec 2013 at 12:10pm

That swellnext week is lining up 4.5m at 16 seconds so its on the boil. Freeze frame the WAM at Wed 18th Dec. The entire Western Pacific is a storm

wellymon's picture
wellymon's picture
wellymon Friday, 13 Dec 2013 at 12:27pm

Yeah awesome tool there Craig, how often do WAMS get updated ..?

Craig's picture
Craig's picture
Craig Friday, 13 Dec 2013 at 12:30pm

Every 6 hours Welly, next update should be done in about halfa, and it's upgraded the swell, keep an eye on it!

grug's picture
grug's picture
grug Friday, 13 Dec 2013 at 12:29pm

so kelly wins the title then wins the eddie 3 days later then retires… i reckon he'd be thinking of that little scenario right now… and i reckon ZoSea will be crapping their dacks at the prospect of him retiring…

udo's picture
udo's picture
udo Friday, 13 Dec 2013 at 1:55pm

by jesus that ocean is alive for next week add another few feet to the forecast size.

donweather's picture
donweather's picture
donweather Friday, 13 Dec 2013 at 2:37pm

So I assume that swell for next week will be too mackin for Pipe? Hence they won't be delaying the Pipe event from this Saturday (Hawaii time).

Craig's picture
Craig's picture
Craig Friday, 13 Dec 2013 at 2:44pm

Yeah way too big, Pipe will be a washing machine.