Tides & Currents

Question 1

Tide Range Olympia

Answer 1

Mean Range 10.5’

Diurnal Range 14.4’

Question 2

General trend of tidal range

Answer 2

increases from N – S in Puget Sound. Smallest tides in Port Townsend, largest tides in Olympia. Larger tides on the southern end of the chartlet compared to the north end.

Question 3

During times of extremely high tides

Answer 3

free floating logs, deadheads or sinkers during freshets, high tides, after storms.

Question 4

VTS tidal advisory broadcast

Answer 4

when tide is predicted to exceed 11’, vessels should transit at speeds to minimize risk of wake damage.

Question 5

Narrows Current

Answer 5

can exceed 5kts. At the north end of The Narrows the current sets to the N on the east side, and to the S on the west side.

Question 6

Hale Passage Current

Answer 6

can exceed 3kts, ebb (sets E) is strong than the flood (sets W).

Question 7

Pitt Passage Current

Answer 7

Between Key Peninsula and Mcneil I connecting Drayton and Carr Inlet. Small craft with local knowledge use pass E of Pitt I. Ebb (sets N) is stronger than flood (sets S), 2.5kts.

Question 8

Drayton Pass

Answer 8

1-2kts at SW end of pass.

Question 9

Steilacoom Current

Answer 9

Tide rips with and opposing wind can be dangerous to small boats.

Question 10

Pickering Passage Current

Answer 10

Flood sets from Case Inlet to Hammersley Inlet, ebbs opposite. Strongest current at S end, 2.5kts.

Question 11

Peale Passage Current

Answer 11

2.0kts in the narrow part, sets N on flood.

Question 12

Dana Passage Current

Answer 12

frequently 3.0kts or more.

Question 13

Squaxin Passage Current

Answer 13

1.5kts, tide rips.