Current peak

[scubajunky17]

Hi all, at what point do ebb and flood currents peak ? As in, how long after slack ?

 

[TMHeimer]

Hi all, at what point do ebb and flood currents peak ? As in, how long after slack ?

After a lifetime of water activity, I would say the strongest currents occur at about mid tide. I have no official knowledge, just what I've seen and been told.

 

[scubajunky17]

That is logical and what I assumed, would like confirmation though, thanks.

 

[BRT]

Look at the current tables for a given location. This varies.

 

[David W Short]

The strongest tidal flow will normally occur before or near the time of the high and low tides with the ebb being stronger and lasting longer than the flood. Local conditions will vary though.

 

[geoff w]

I've been told if you look at the plot of the predicted tides for highs and lows, the part of the graph with the steepest slope, either ascending or descending, will be the biggest tidal flow, and generally the strongest currents. At least for coastal areas open to the ocean. Keep in mind the tidal predictions are just models so timing and heights may be off some, and local conditions, weather patterns, storms, etc can affect everything. In reality, I've experienced no current with big tidal swings, and unexpectedly big current with tiny tidal swings, so lots of local knowledge and experience really helps a lot

 

[TMHeimer]

Case in point are those crazy diurnal tides on the N/E Gulf of Mex. Not regular hour-wise, and sometimes a bit off the tide prediction charts, so currents can be different that what you'd think.

 

[David W Short]

In terms of predicting how strong the current will be you can use the graph or just see how much of a deferential there is between high and low depths. e.g. steep curve = strong current. However, the graph may not correlate with the time of slack water. For example many bays and harbors with an oceanic entrance may have what is called a "Progressive Wave" were the maximum current will occur around the times of the high and low tides yet looking at a basic tide table graph you'd assume the opposite to be true.

 

[scubajunky17]

Thanks guys, the current defo peaked just before high today !

 

[TMHeimer]

Are you referring to what we used to call the changing of the tides--ei. the waves come when it is switching from ebbing to flowing or vice versa?